Winemaker's Notes
Those familiar with this wine and have made it their house wine know that I use all kinds of lovely extra proportions of Zinfandel beyond what was perfect in the other main bottlings. Always satisfying and guilt-free, this is the ultimate mid-week ‘real’ wine. This version truly over-delivers to an embarrassing degree.
Plums, black cherry, rosemary on the nose. If they grew Zinfandel in Chateauneuf du Pape, or better yet, Sablet, there’d be more wines like this. (Twice visiting Southern Rhône about 20 & 30 years ago, the awareness and interest in Zinfandel by vignerons there was surprising). I’m afraid though that with their hot, dry Mistral winds, Zinfandel would probably desiccate too much and be less likely a fine component to the wonderful wines in that part of the world. We are lucky that Zinfandel has found a perfect home here in Sonoma County, not too distant from the calming effect of Pacific Ocean fog that I think Zinfandel thrives on.
Mouth-watering at first, and throughout and afterward, this is arguably the most food-friendly version of this wine yet. Flavors by mouth echo the aromas of plum, dark cherry and aromatic herbs. When I made the blend, it was rather structured and taut. In the months since and after bottling, it has opened up nicely.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – April 2020
Fred Scherrer’s V16.7 Zinfandoodle is a an entry-level Zinfandel blended from the 2017 and 2016 vintages. Sweet perfumed and inviting, Zinfandoodle is a highly enjoyable wine to drink now and over the next few years. Wild flowers, cedar and sweet red berry fruit are laced into a delicious red that screams with Zinfandel character. I loved it.90 points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – May 2021
Medium to medium-dark ruby; fragrant, rich, ripe, spicy, black cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of rosemary, sandalwood, and black pepper; full body; rich, ripe, black cherry and red berry fruit flavors with notes of spice and dried herbs; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. A blend of grapes from the 2016 and 2017 vintages that is very enjoyable to drink now and over the near term. Very highly recommended. My Score: 91/100 Nick Ponomareoff