Winemaker's Notes
Structured and full-bodied, this wine has a spicy Zinfandel character complemented by jammy, dark fruit flavors reminiscent of blueberry pie. Notes of toasted oak and vanilla combine with a plush, lingering mouthfeel
John's Notes
A Cali Zin lover’s Zin, Bear Flag’s 2015 vintage delivers aromas of juicy red cherry, red plum, raspberry, cinnamon, black pepper, cigar box, and a dash of tomato leaf readily to the nose. The palate is big, bold, and supple, and adeptly finds the mark of juicy fruit (cherry pie, blackberry, raspberry, and red plum) vs. overly jammy. Mid-palate notes of red and black licorice, cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg are followed by a protracted and enjoyable cigar box and cocoa nib finish. Soul warming on a cold winter evening
Did you know … California has more Zinfandel area under vine (over 43,000 acres) than any other country in the world. Italy is 2nd with roughly 27,000
Nerdy Details
Winemaker: Bear Flag Wine, winemaker Aaron Piotter
- Inspired by the brave souls of the Bear Flag Revolt, we celebrate the kindred spirits who stand their ground, have the good taste to dream big…and never waste a drop
- We stand for the right to raise a flag in honor of your unique place in the world, whether that’s a patch of untamed territory or an enduring point of view
Variety: 78% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, 6% Teroldego, 5% Malbec, 2% other select varieties
Region: Sonoma County, California
Climate/Vintage:
- The 2015 growing season saw a mild winter, leading to an early bud break in spring. Luckily, the sunny summer brought warmer temperatures and the opportunity to slightly stress the vines, producing naturally smaller berry clusters. This allowed the fruit to ripen to perfection and develop full, concentrated flavor and color. The result was exceptional wines with fresh fragrance and complex characteristics
Viticulture:
- The majority of our grapes were sourced from the Dry Creek Valley, one of the most renowned Zinfandel growing areas. Dry Creek’s daytime heat and cool, calm nights enable Zinfandel to develop bold fruit characteristics along with hints of spice and complexity that is unique to the area
- Zinfandel and Petite Sirah picked from the iconic Monte Rosso vineyard above Sonoma Valley were added to the final blend, adding dark fruit character and balanced structure
- Vineyard Origin: Stefani Ranch 54%, Monte Rosso 17%, Dry Creek 10%, Cypress Ranch 5%, Alexander Valley 4%, 10% Other Select Vineyards
Winemaking:
- We focused on extraction to achieve ripe, jammy fruit notes and a firm structure without too much tannin
- We cool-fermented the grapes for 5 to 7 days, targeting 85 degrees, to slow down the process and allow more time on the skins
Alcohol: 15.3%
RS: 0.5 g/L
pH: 3.53
Pairs Well With: Barbecued ribs, meatballs in Arrabbiata sauce, Genoa salami
Reviews
Tasting Panel (93): Based on a California Republic Proclamation from 1846, this wine offers a nod to Sonoma’s place in history. It was the location for the Bear Flag Revolt, a fight for Californian independence. We see this as a great representation from one of the state’s best growing regions for this variety. With 78% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, 6% Teroldego, 5% Malbec, and 2% other varieties, the majority of the fruit hails from Dry Creek Valley. With classic Zin aromas of peppered nettle and blueberry tart, the palate is rich, dense, and forward. This plucky Zin shows brightness, with a rustic, textured mouthfeel
Wine Spectator (92): Plump and piquant, with expressive blackberry and orange zest aromas and lots of personality, accenting smoky cracked pepper and black olive flavors that build toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2022
Wilfred Wong (92): If there was ever a wine concept that embodies what the wild, wild West was all about, the Bear Flag Zinfandel has captured that idea as good as any winery could have. The 2015 vintage – my first look ever at this winery’s wines – takes berry extraction and the fine line to stay balanced to the next level. Deep in color; shows a powerful array of berries – raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, stays long and full on the palate and finishes with a lush roundness. Pair its rich flavors with an oven-baked pork tenderloin topped with a fruit compote
Wine Enthusiast (91): This wine pays homage to a historic revolt in Sonoma in 1846. Waves of dark cherry and vanilla surround a strong core of integrated oak and supple texture in this well-made wine. Ripe, full-bodied and well-balanced, this wine will please many a palate with ease
