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Retail Savings $11.99 $19.00 37% 2012 Sebastiani Zinfandelproduct-timed-pdf - Sonoma County - "Great Value Zin" from a Winemaker of the Year Why We're Drinking It Cult wineries come and go, following the fickle whims of fashion. Workhouse wineries stick around, producing enjoyable wine without fuss or pretention, and garnering a loyal following while they’re at it. This Zin is from one such workhouse winery. And those who know this Zin from previous vintages have already hit the purchase button. We suggest you follow suit. It doesn’t take a wine connoisseur to recognize the Sebastiani name. This is as historic as it gets in American wine. Sebastiani was one of the first to plant roots in Sonoma County and holds the title as the only estate producing wine right through prohibition. We won’t tell! Their 2001 Zinfandel is a peppery, spicy, full-bodied red with a stick-to-your-ribs quality that disarms even the snootiest of wine drinkers. Out Tasting Panel was pleasantly surprised by the complexity here. Sure, there’s the telltale jammy, berry fruit and black pepper spice that defines Sonoma Zin, but there’s also more exotic notes of forest floor, campfire, huckleberry and earth. It’s a steal and a serious crowd pleaser. Reasons We Love It: The core of this wine comes from three of the best AVAs for this quintessential American grape: Dry Creek (benchland, terra rosa), Alexander (gravelly alluvial), and Russian River Valleys. The Petite Sirah blended with it comes mainly from Stanislaus County, which excels in Petite Sirah production. A traditional “field blend,” this Zin actually includes small amounts of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Malbec all aged together in oak barrels for 16 months. A relative small production from a global wine producer; 3,800 cases produced. Release September 2014. Inside Fact: Sebastiani stayed in business during prohibition by shifting their production to “sacramental” wine, still allowable by law. Tasting Notes VARIETAL Dark crimson in color, this Zinfandel displays cran-raspberry fruit, crushed Zinfandel rock and white pepper spiciness with a background of cedar-like aromas. APPELLATION The palate is filled with juicy, ripe raspberry fruit and a long finish of crushed Sonoma County pepper and leather. This is the most fruit forward, ripe Zinfandel Sebastiani ALCOHOL has made in a long time. It is very generous with fruit and concentration. A 14.50 perfect wine to enjoy now with your friends and family, pairing with BBQ SIZE food and pizza. 750ml BLEND 86% Zinfandel 9% Petite Sirah 4% Syrah 1% Malbec AGING/COOPERAGE 15.5 Months in New, 1-Year-Old, and 2-Year-Old Hungarian and Russian Oak The Story to Know Sebastiani’s first century in Sonoma winemaking began when Samuele emigrated from the Tuscany region of Italy in 1895 and started Sebastiani nine years later. A stonemason by trade, he quarry-mined the Sonoma hills for cobblestones that were used to build the streets of San Francisco. He worked long hours and saved carefully to buy land in Sonoma County, from which he would make wine for the Sonoma community and San Francisco’s restaurants. Samuele believed in hard work and asked the same of everyone at the winery. At the same time, he was a strong supporter of the land and the people of Sonoma. When the combination of Prohibition and the Depression hit hard, Samuele initiated major projects at the winery to create employment for his neighbors. When there wasn’t sufficient work at the winery, he built around the plaza and constructed a skating rink, motel, theater and meeting hall at the Catholic Church. To keep people employed at the winery, Samuele began canning peaches, pears and nectarines. Shortly after Samuele’s death in 1944, his son, August, and August’s wife Sylvia purchased the winery from the estate and began the expansion of the facilities and the product line, adding new varietal wines and proprietary blends. When August died in 1980, Sylvia and their children, Sam, Don and Mary Ann, assumed management of the company. Sam stayed until 1986, when he left Sebastiani to start his own winery, south of the city of Sonoma. With the decision made to refocus on quality and the flagship Sebastiani brand, the family sold the Turner Road Vintners brands and winemaking facilities in March 2001 to Constellation Brands (formerly Canandaigua). When that sale was completed, Don Sebastiani left to devote full attention to Cecchetti Sebastiani Cellars (now Don Sebastiani & Sons), which he started with brother-in-law Roy Cecchetti in 1985. Mary Ann Sebastiani Cuneo, formerly senior vice president of hospitality and manager of the company’s real estate holdings – which include 700 vineyard acres, 225 of them planted -- assumed the role of president and CEO and helped lead the company through its transition into one of Sonoma County’s premier quality wine producers. She spearheaded the multi-million dollar remodel of the Sebastiani tasting room and hospitality center completed in 2001, offering unique cultural and historic programs for visitors. In addition, the production facility underwent major renovation with an emphasis on small-lot artisan winemaking. Today, Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery advances its record of acclaim under the guidance of vintner and entrepreneur Bill Foley, who acquired the winery in 2008. As part of Foley Family Wines, Sebastiani will maintain its commitment to producing singular wines from the appellations of Sonoma County. Learn about Sebastiani’s sustainable farming efforts here. Perfect Pairings A perfect wine to enjoy now with your friends and family or paired with a tender beef wellington for an exciting twist. Ratings 91 Insider Points Reviews An historic symbol of Sonoma wine making, Sebastiani has crafted this lush and supple Zinfandel with a huge fruit profile, black cherry, blackberry compote, mild spice notes and just a hint of cedar. The texture is pure Zin, with chewy tannins, a supple body and lively acidity. An absolutely standout deal for the quality, enjoy at home or at your next dinner party. - DZ Nov, 2014.

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