In 1886 Edorado Seghesio left his home and family vineyards in Piedmonte, Italy in search of his dreams in America. After finding his life lifelong love Angela, while working at Swiss Colony in Sonoma County, the couple purchased 56 acres of vineyard property in Alexander Valley and planted it to Zinfandel. This parcel known as “Home Ranch” has survived as one of the oldest Zinfandel vineyards in California. The winery was completed in 1902. In 2011 Seghesio Winery was acquired by the Crimson Wine Group.

This Zinfandel is sourced from Chen’s Vineyard, planted in 1972 by fourth-generation Ted Seghesio and his father Ed. These vineyards are situated along the creek where the sandy soils produce classic Zinfandel. Cortina benefits from morning fog and cool maritime winds. This is a brooding, stylistic Zinfandel with plenty of class. The deeply opaque-garnet hue offers a glimpse into the personality of this wine. It is upfront with loads of ripe boysenberry and mulberry accents infused with brown spices, cedar and a whisper of sweet toasted oak. There is a hint of white pepper in the background. The tannins are ripe and approachable. This wine will evolve nicely over time.
By W. Peter Hoyne