2018 PORTALUPI SHAKE RIDGE VINEYARD ZINFANDEL

Located 100 miles East of Napa Valley, Amador County has a climate similar to Saint Helena. There, fewer days over 100 degrees, cooling winds off the Sierras, and low nitrogen/phosphorous content in the soils produce thin canopies with excellent sunlight exposure. Renowned grower Ann Kraemer organically farms Shake Ridge Ranch, known as one of the area’s top sites. The vineyard is planted at 1800′ on a ridge and produces powerfully intense berries. Portalupi’s version highlights the best characteristics of the vineyard, and at $30, it’s one of my favorite Zins I’ve tasted in a long time.

Tim Portalupi ages his Zinfandel in American oak barrels with heavy toast as a homage to early Zinfandel pioneers. His technique imparts a slightly velvety texture and subtle spice that compliments the intense and well-defined brambly fruit unique to Shake Ridge.

Viticulturist Ann Kraemer and her team farm Shake Ridge using minimal interference methods and constant attention. She divided her vineyard into small blocks, separated by soil type and microclimate, with each planted to the ideal variety, rootstock, and trellis. You can taste the meticulous care that goes into farming each vine in a glass of Portalupi.

Ground Shipping Included on ANY Mixed 15 bottle Case to some States