Scandal Zinfandel 2024
A Zinfandel made by a Bordeaux lover - now that is a real scandal!
A Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel blend—lush and approachable, yet ageworthy thanks to its structure.
Our 2023 vintage of Scandal Zinfandel is a wonderful expression of Dry Creek Valley and underscores Zinfandel as a premium wine - food-friendly, cellar-worthy - never generic or boring - appealing to consumers and sommeliers alike.
Scandal - a Zinfandel made by a Bordeaux lover - what a Scandal !
Scandal , a Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel from the “benchland” - the gently sloping terrain at the base of hillsides, above the valley floor but below the steep upper slopes.
- Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet edges, showing density and vibrancy in the glass.
- Nose: Expressive and layered—ripe blackberry, raspberry compote, and dark cherry are lifted by notes of black pepper, clove, and dried herbs. Hints of cocoa, cedar, and warm earth add depth.
- Palate: Bold yet balanced. The benchland vineyard portion contributes juicy red and blue fruits with plush, velvety texture, while the hillside fruit brings darker blackberry, bramble, and spice with firmer tannins. Medium-plus to full body, framed by lively acidity that keeps the richness fresh. Subtle vanilla and toasted oak nuances weave through the mid-palate.
- Finish: Long, structured finish marked by black fruit, cracked pepper, and a mineral edge. A wine of both power and elegance, showing the hallmark ripeness of Dry Creek Valley with a backbone of hillside grip.
- Ageing Potential: 20+ years, developing layers of truffle, leather, tobacco, and cedar while retaining elegance and precision.
Decant for at least one hour and serve at 65°F
The combination of excellent water reserves from winter rains, mild spring conditions, Zinfandel's heat tolerance, and consistent ripening conditions created what appears to be an exceptional vintage for Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel in 2024, characterized as a "flavor year".
All of the barrels come from French cooperages with whom we have had an association for over twenty years. Selected from two French forests, the wood is air dried and coopered over a five-year production period and finished with a special “toasting” suited to the delicate characteristics of our wines.
Only 766 cases produced. No allergens were used in the making of this wine. Our vineyards are farmed to the code of sustainable agriculture using traditional techniques, based on strict control of yields, manual harvests and numerous quality specific tasks that are carried out by hand throughout the year.
Little or no chemical fertilizers are used. Selection and planting of cover crops and their return to the soil provides additional organic nutrients allowing our vines to reach an advanced age and produce outstanding grapes.
Little or no chemical fertilizers are used. Selection and planting of cover crops and their return to the soil provides additional organic nutrients allowing our vines to reach an advanced age and produce outstanding grapes.
| Color | Red |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Harvest Date | 12th Sep 2024 |
| Style | Zinfandel |
| Appellation | Dry Creek Valley |
| Varietal | Zinfandel |
| Date Bottled | 5th Aug 2025 |
| Drinkable | 2026 - 2036 |
| Alcohol | 14.90% |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
