For more than 140 years, the grape-growing region of Dry Creek Valley in north-central Sonoma County has been known to produce the world’s highest quality Zinfandel wines.

This compact region, established as an American Viticultural Area in 1983, includes more than 9,000 vineyard acres, 60 wineries, and a tight-knit agricultural community where corporations have been strategically given the proverbial stiff arm. Today, we are so very excited to celebrate one of the pillars of that community – the Cousins family of Armida Winery.

Aside from being founding Vintner Members at Mayacama, the Cousins family (Bruce, Susan, Steve and Cyndi) have been sourcing grapes and making wine in Dry Creek Valley for nearly 25 years. While production includes varietal Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, the real highlight for me is their Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel.

Armida Winemaker Brandon Lapides produces several different single vineyard Zinfandels from some of the most coveted vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, and today we are offering up 3 of their highest quality bottlings, all representative of the outstanding 2018 vintage.

2018 Armida Maple Vineyards Zinfandel

Maple Vineyard is 27 acres of exceptional head-trained Zinfandel, in the heart of Dry Creek Valley, located at the corner of Dry Creek Road and Lytton Springs Road.

The oldest block was planted in 1910, linking Armida’s current bottling to the rich history and traditions of the early pioneers of Dry Creek Valley. Today, David Rafanelli continues these traditional, labor-intensive farming techniques, personally managing the viticulture as did Tom and Tina Maple before him.

The old vines at Maple Vineyard are dry-farmed, causing a high level of stress on the vines before harvest therefore producing small grape clusters with deliciously robust flavors.

The 2018 Maple Vineyards Zinfandel from Armida is medium to full-bodied, with structure and texture that make it the ultimate food wine. Dark black fruits are balanced with savory spices, while the seductive palate is refined, lush and succulent. Integrated tannins and great balance of savor and spice will continue to gain in complexity over the next 15 years.

2018 Armida Tina’s Block Zinfandel

There’s “old vine Zin” and then there’s Tina’s Block. Planted in 1910 and farmed by David Rafanelli, this single parcel within Maple Vineyard is perhaps the oldest Zinfandel in Dry Creek Valley, consisting of 20% “mixed black” varietals -- Petite Sirah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mission and Alicante Bouschet, all inter-planted with Zinfandel.

This benchmark Dry Creek Zinfandel based field-blend bottling displays blackberry and plum aromas with subtle hints of anise, graham cracker and black current. The flavors are deep and concentrated, almost fleshy – sweet raspberry pie, blueberries, juicy cranberries. Hints of leather, cacao and cinnamon are present in the background.

2018 Armida Gold Mine Ranch Zinfandel

Gold Mine Ranch’s 3-acre vineyard was planted to Zinfandel before the original owner was drafted into the service before World War I. Returning from war, the owner set out to discover precious metals on his property to craft jewelry. He burrowed two holes near the Zinfandel in search of gold, and henceforth the vineyard was known as “Gold Mine Ranch.”

For years the current owner sold the fruit to a renowned producer of Zinfandel, but one not located in Dry Creek Valley. When that contract expired the owner decided he wanted to sell this special fruit to a Dry Creek winery known for making outstanding Zinfandel. After interviewing a handful of wineries, he selected Armida Winery.

Today, the century-old vineyard is dry farmed and organically managed using techniques and farming traditions similar to those of the original owner. Situated close to West Dry Creek Road, the Gold Mine Ranch is bordered by old-growth Redwood Forest and looks directly down to the Dry Creek.

This 100% Zinfandel is the ultimate expression of Dry Creek Zinfandel with its spicy peppercorn, anise, plum and cherry aromatics, and sweet, fleshy fruit flavors – bright cranberries, raspberry jam and blackberries.

Today’s offer is brought to you alongside the sharpest pricing you are going to find and so if this something you are interested in, I highly recommend you take full advantage.

As always, please feel free to let me know if you have any questions regarding the wines.

Thank you for your support!

Cheers!

Carey Vanderborg - Wine Director

Maple Zinfandel: Suggested Retail: $44 | Mayacama Price: $39

Tina’s Block: Suggested Retail: $48 | Mayacama Price: $43

Gold Mine Ranch: Suggested Retail: $48 | Mayacama Price: $43

Click here for more information about the wines.