The history of the Sehghesio family began in 1886 when Edoardo Seghesio left his family’s vineyards in Piedmonte, Italy to establish a new beginning in the United States. Edoardo and his new wife Angela decided to settle along the southern boundary of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, which is where Edoardo planted his first vineyard to Zinfandel. Since that time, five generations of Seghesio family members have managed the vineyards. They source fruit from over 300 acres of estate vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley. The “Home Ranch” vineyard has a warm, dry inland climate with vines planted in a subsoil of clay, sandstone and serpentine rock. This location allows the wine to achieve an expansive expression of red rock and spice.

The Seghesio “Home Ranch” Zinfandel goes well beyond the common definition of a Zinfandel offering aromas of pomegranate and toasted cinnamon. It reveals a deep core of macerated black raspberry foam, espresso and hint of black pepper. This lush, compact wine is well balanced and remains fresh throughout. Seghesio’s Zinfandels are always a sure bet for consistency and immediate gratification, while the “Home Ranch” bottling typically requires some patience before indulging in all its pleasures.

By W Peter Hoyne