SEGHESIO Zinfandel - Sonoma County 2023 Bottle - VGN/SUS

Description

IN BRIEF
Seghesio Zinfandel 2023 is a vibrant, generously fruited Sonoma Zinfandel that balances sunny ripeness with clarity. Deep ruby with garnet highlights, it greets the glass with blackberry, raspberry preserve and black cherry, plus warm baking spice, vanilla and a hint of cola; airing brings violet and a savoury cured meat edge. Medium plus to full bodied, the palate is plush and mouthfilling with blackberry, bramble and ripe plum framed by redcurrant acidity and supple tannins. Mid palate spice of black pepper, clove and dark chocolate and a faint smoky oak toast add complexity while keeping the fruit front and centre. Approachable now; will gain with short cellaring. Drink 2026 to 2032. Serve with grilled ribeye, barbecue or mushroom ragout.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Seghesio Zinfandel 2023 is a vibrant and generously fruited expression that showcases the varietal’s sunny warmth while retaining clarity and balance. The colour is deep ruby with bright garnet highlights. The nose bursts with ripe blackberry, raspberry preserve and black cherry, layered with warm baking spice, vanilla pod and a hint of cola; with airing the bouquet reveals a floral lift of violet and a subtle savoury edge of cured meat and black pepper.

On the palate the wine is medium plus to full bodied with plush, succulent fruit at the core and supple, well managed tannins. Primary dark berry flavours of blackberry and bramble sit alongside ripe plum and a thread of redcurrant acidity that keeps the profile lively. Mid palate development brings notes of black pepper, clove and dark chocolate, together with a faint smoky toast from oak that frames rather than dominates. The texture is mouthfilling and generous yet the finish remains focused, finishing with a fine savoury grip and lingering spiced berry echo.

The 2023 vintage in Sonoma produced ripe, concentrated fruit with balanced acidity, and this bottling reflects Seghesio’s blend of intensity and drinkability. Approachable now, the wine will also reward short term cellaring to allow tannins to soften and secondary notes to integrate. Drink 2026 to 2032, peaking 2027 to 2029.

Serve slightly below room temperature with grilled ribeye, peppered roast pork, braised short ribs, spiced lamb kebabs, mushroom ragout or aged hard cheeses such as manchego; it is equally good with barbecue fare and rich tomato based pasta dishes.

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ABOUT SEGHESIO
Seghesio Family Vineyards is a storied Sonoma County producer best known for its authoritative Zinfandel and for a thoughtful range of Italian and Bordeaux varietals. The estate traces its viticultural roots to Edoardo Seghesio, who planted some of the first family vines in the late nineteenth century. Today the brand combines deep family knowledge of old vine Zinfandel with modern commercial resources to maintain quality across a broad portfolio.

Ownership and commercial oversight rest with Crimson Wine Group, which acquired the Seghesio business while preserving active family involvement in vineyard management and brand stewardship. The Seghesio family remain closely engaged in viticultural decisions, supplying generational expertise on old vine care, block selection and harvest timing. This partnership allows the wines to reflect traditional vineyard practice while benefiting from wider distribution and investment.

Vineyards and grower partnerships span diverse sites across Sonoma County, including prized old vine blocks that are central to the house style. The estate and its grower network manage soils and canopy with care, emphasising low yields, selective picking and mature vine preservation to capture concentrated, site specific fruit. These practices underpin the signature intensity and complexity of the top bottlings while allowing more approachable labels to showcase bright fruit and early drinkability.

Winemaking is led by Andy Robinson, who brings long experience with the estate and an emphasis on small lot, site oriented vinification. The cellar approach favours precise sorting, parcel level fermentations and controlled extraction to retain varietal brightness and textural balance. Oak regimes are tailored by cuvee so that maturation supports rather than overwhelms primary fruit. For white wines and lighter styles the team uses gentle handling and restrained élevage to preserve aromatics and freshness.

Stylistically Seghesio wines range from robust, spicy Zinfandels showing ripe blackberry, black pepper and savoury depth to more restrained single vineyard and small production cuvees that display nuance and ageing potential. The producer remains a benchmark for Californian Zinfandel, combining family tradition with disciplined winemaking and the backing of a larger wine group to ensure consistency and market reach.