2021 Stuhlmuller - Zinfandel Alexander Valley Estate (750ml)
2021 Stuhlmuller - Zinfandel Alexander Valley Estate (750ml)
On Alexander Valley’s southwestern edge near the Russian River, the 150-acre Stuhlmuller estate reflects a long family history of farming in this iconic California wine region. The Stuhlmuller family has cultivated these vines since the early 1980s, initially supplying fruit to esteemed neighbors like Silver Oak and Simi before Fritz Stuhlmuller launched his own label in the mid-1990s. Winemaker Zac Childers leads the program, working with vineyard manager John Gorman under a certified sustainable farming plan that shapes every block on the property. Two hillside blocks are reserved for Zinfandel, head-pruned to intensify the hillside fruit and planted with budwood from the storied 120-year-old Teldeschi clone from Dry Creek Valley.
For 2021, the Zinfandel was co-fermented with Petite Sirah as whole berries in open-top stainless steel tanks through a seventeen-day maceration, then pressed in a traditional manual basket press and aged in a mix of French and American oak, with about 20% new oak.
Tasting notes
The wine opens with black raspberry, blood orange, and rose, complemented by cardamom and white pepper for lift. A rich, velvety texture carries dark berry and Asian plum flavors, finishing with a touch of sweet tobacco leaf and spice.
Food pairings
Best enjoyed with grilled venison chops, aged Asiago, or a warm plate of paella.