The adventure of co-owners Dave Nichols and Rick Quinn is based on a passion of winemaking that veered out of control, taking on its own identity. Quinn was a real estate entrepreneur of Serbian heritage who moved to California in 1979. Continuing his family’s early tradition of winemaking, he sourced grapes from Paso Robles before deciding to purchase 68 acres of his own vineyards in 1994. After a casual encounter with his next-door neighbor Dave Nichols, they decided to form a business and winemaking partnership purchasing adjacent east-side vineyards in Paso Robles.

The fruit for Summit Creek Zinfandel is sourced from the Westside Willow Creek and Adelaide Districts along with some warmer Eastside fruit. The final blend has the addition of 5% Petite Sirah to enhance the structure and color. This value-driven Zin has a translucent ruby appearance with a delicate bouquet of crushed red raspberries. It is elegantly styled yet packed full with ripe, zesty red fruits, melted red licorice and exotic Asian spices. There is a hint of milk chocolate and black pepper in the background. The tannins are caressing and rounded in the back.

By W Peter Hoyne