Wine of the Week: Seghesio, 2013 Sonoma Zinfandel

Ted Seghesio said his lineage makes his brand of zinfandel ripe with possibility.

“I’m a fourth generation Seghesio winemaker, so I understand what it takes to ‘get it right.’”

Seghesio is behind our wine-of-the-week winner – the Seghesio, 2013 Sonoma Zinfandel at $24.

This zin has great structure and generous fruit, coupled with a steady current of spice. It has firm tannins and a supple texture. In a word, it’s striking.

“I believe that balanced vines create balanced wines,” Ted said. “I strive to create fine wine that is the highest expression of the vineyard.”

After spending the summer of 1976 in the family vineyards, Ted said he realized the potential of a Seghesio brand.

“I looked around and saw an opportunity to take our family business to the next level by producing wines under the Seghesio label versus making bulk wine, which is what we did exclusively in the past,” he explained. “My mom had urged the family to produce wine under the Seghesio brand for years. She passed away while I was in school, but she knew her dream would be fulfilled, and I think she would be proud today.”

The winery is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. Seghesio was sold to Crimson Wine Group in 2011, but Ted has remained at the helm. He’s the winemaker and general manager.

“I grew up at the winery in Healdsburg and learned about wine from a young age,” Ted said.

Ted graduated from University of the Pacific in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in business. When he returned home to work in the vineyards, it inspired him to enroll in oenology courses at the University of California, Davis.

“I have been making wine professionally for 35 years and grew up in the business,” Ted said. “I have had the good fortune to learn from the three Seghesio generations before me, including from my father, Ed.”

Ted said he keeps zinfandel in high demand by creating wines that taste good and that are readily available to consumers through broad distribution across the world.

“With over 300 acres of Sonoma County vineyards, our wines represent some of the oldest vineyards and proprietary clones in the region,” he said.

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This week’s blind tasting: Zinfandel

TOP PICK

Seghesio, 2013 Sonoma Zinfandel, 14.8% alcohol, $24. ????:

A zin with great structure and generous fruit. Briary, with black and red fruit, coupled with a steady current of spice. Firm tannins. Supple texture. Striking. A good zin to have on hand as outdoor grilling season commences.

TASTY ALTERNATIVES

Jeff Cohn Cellars, 2012 Cassata Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, 15.6%, $42. ????

: A zin dripping with fruit, bright, tangy bold and audacious fruit. A big-boy zin that makes quite an impression. This wine definitely works solo, as well as with a meal.

Ravenswood, 2012 Napa Valley Old Vine Zinfandel, 14.5%, $16. ???

1/2: A zin with a great concentration of fruit -- black cherry and plum. Ripe, but not over the top. It works. Juicy finish. A great value for its price, it definitely over-delivers.

Dry Creek Vineyard 2013 Sonoma County Heritage Vines Zinfandel, 14.5%, $16. ???

1/2: A tasty zin with layered flavors -- cherry fruit, herbs and a hint of anise. Crisp acidity. Snappy spice. Nice length.

Ridge, 2012 Geyserville, 14.4%, $38. ????

: This zin-blend throws off aromas of raspberry and the palate also trumpets red raspberry fruit. Herbs and spice are in the mix, but its bright red fruit definitely upstages them. Achieves great balance from start to finish. Absolutely lovely. The blend is 71% zinfandel; 19% Carignane; 7% petite sirah; 2% Mourvedre; and 1% Alicante Bouschet.