6APR10 Kunde Family Winery ZINFANDEL, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma, California 2021 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20)
100% Zinfandel 14.7% ABV
The founder, Louis Kunde, who emigrated from Germany, acquired the Wildwoods Vineyards Ranch with its acclaimed iron-rich, ancient red volcanic soils in 1904. The vineyards on this land were first planted in 1879 by pioneer John Drummond with cuttings imported from Château Margaux and Lafite Rothschild. The winery is now owned and run by the 4th and 5th generation of Kunde’s. Their Zinfandel is from hillside fruit, with 20% from 140 year old vines. 14 months in 35% French oak barrels (28% new) and 65% American oak barrels. Ripe and juicy blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
You’ll want to keep this lusty, yet food-friendly zin handy for Spring barbecues and serve it with grilled steaks or portobellos, herbed pork chops, lamb lollipops, grilled wild boar sausage, pulled pork barbecue, blackened filet smothered with blue cheese and onions, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, spicy Thai curry pulled pork topped with candied jalapeño and cilantro and fall-off-the-bone saucy ribs. Or take the party inside and enjoy this red with braised beef short ribs with zinfandel jus over creamy polenta, spaghetti bolognese, pepperoni pizza, chipotle and chicken croquettes, steak tartare, smoked duck with apple compote and just about any meat laced with spices and full of flavor. Or just kick back and enjoy this red with goat Gouda, dry Sonoma Jack, Glouchester or slightly sweet Italian Piave.