2022 Andis - Friedlander Block Reserve Zinfandel (750ml)

Andis Wines is a boutique winery in Amador County founded in 2010 by Janis Akuna, who spent decades on Wall Street as a certified financial planner before turning her attention to wine, and her husband Andy Friedlander. Janis now serves as CEO and executive winemaker, a notable position for a woman in an industry she has described as long dominated by men. The estate's wines are crafted by Mark Fowler alongside a consulting team led by Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky, and all bottlings are produced and bottled on site.

Friedlander Block is an old vine planting within Andis's own estate vineyard in the Sierra Foothills AVA, a region shaped by hot, dry days and notably cool nights that help grapes retain acidity even as sugars build. The reserve designation reflects a selective approach to the block's best fruit, hand harvested and vinified to highlight the density and character that come from age and low yields. The wine is aged to bring out structure while preserving the vibrant fruit character the site is known for.

Expect layers of baked plum, blackberry, and cinnamon, joined by boysenberry, black cherry, and hints of Earl Grey tea and cardamom. Creamy chocolate and dried herb notes round out a rich, mouthwatering finish. This wine pairs well with smoked brisket, baby back ribs, or a wedge of aged gorgonzola.