Winemaker Notes
The violaceous color of this wine is like a regal kings robe. Quivira loves the bouquet of cinnamon stick, cardamom, and green fig that immediately entices. The uniqueness of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel stands out with the mix of red fruit textures - fresh, jammy, and dried. You may notice hints of raspberry, black olives, blackberry, crushed rose petals, and zaatar in this signature Zinfandel. There's a seamless integration of Tahitian vanilla in the background from a carefully selected mix of American and French oak. This wine has all the strength and power of a robust Zinfandel but wrapped with the gentle touch of Mother Nature and astute winemaking.
Excellent with lamb or chicken shawarma, roasted carrots, grilled meats with rosemary and smoked eggplant atop olive oil crostinis.
Blend: 78% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Family owned since its founding in 1981, proprietors Pete and Terri Kight were drawn to the estate's natural beauty and unspoiled rural character. With 63 acres of vines planted at Wine Creek Ranch, and another 26 at two sites close by, today Quivira Vineyards is a leading producer of Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Rhône varieties, with a reputation for intentional winegrowing and a thoughtful commitment to organic farming.
Quivira’s environmental stewardship has been all-encompassing. Beginning in 1998, we partnered with conservation agencies in restoring Wine Creek and Dry Creek for their native Steelhead and Coho populations. We keep beehives to promote pollination of our garden’s genetically diverse produce varieties and raise animals to provide fertilization material. It is our philosophy that the vines are only as healthy as the entire ranch therefore we farm holistically and sustainably, and further our commitment with each vintage.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured it’s title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the states’ diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, which sourced a journey to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.