Bear Flag Zinfandel is a Sonoma County blend. Dry Creek Valley AVA is the primary source, The Stefani Ranch is the largest contributing vineyard. It’s a 200+ acre site on Canyon Road, near Dry Creek Road. The most significant portion of the non-Dry Creek Valley fruit, 23% in the 2016, comes from the famed Monte Rosso Vineyard in the Moon Mountain AVA. 

The reviews below are based on samples. Both vintages are currently available in the market.

2015 Bear Flag Zinfandel Sonoma County 91+ 15.3% 750ml $30

Dark purple in the glass with the classic, multi-colored array of Zinfandel aromas: blackberry jam, blueberry, black cherry, ripe red cherry, meadow floor, allspice, and toasted oak. The wine is dry (no perceptible sugar) and has medium-plus body in the mouth with fine, dusty texture providing structure for the core of jammy, black fruit. Other prominent flavors include lightly charred oak, and dark spice. There’s good length to the warming finish and the attractive texture is persistent as well. Drink now through 2024.

The blend is 78% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, 6% Teroldego, 5% Malbec, with the remaining 2% being small amounts of a few different varieties. Primary vineyard sources are Stefani Ranch (54%), Monte Rosso (17%), Dry Creek (10%), Cypress Ranch in Napa’s Pope Valley (5%), and Alexander Valley (4%).

2016 Bear Flag Zinfandel Sonoma County 91 14.8% 750ml $30

This younger wine is a little quieter on the nose than the 2015, but more generous on the palate. It’s dark purple color leads into predominantly dark aromas: blackberry and black plum jams, dark chocolate, allspice, charcoal, and fresh bay leaf. The richly fruit palate is nearly full-bodied with plenty of softish, fine-grained texture. The flavors of blackberry syrup, black cherry, Dr. Pepper, vanilla, spice, and dry herb will go well with juicy pork shoulder or grilled leg of lamb. Drink now through 2025.

The blend here is 89% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah, 4% Teroldego, 5% Malbec, with the remaining 2% being small amounts of a few different varieties. Stefani Ranch (43%) and Monte Rosso (23%) are the primary sources.

Copyright Fred Swan 2019. All rights reserved.