Visually, the 2017 Black Sears Estate Zinfandel is a lighter, radiant ruby red in the glass. The nose opens with an abundance of fresh strawberries before evolving into hints of cream, white pepper, and pine. On the palate, this is a crisp, bright yet exceptionally powerful Zin that offers high-toned red and black fruit. The wine is dry on approach, with the signature spice and minerality, before it blossoms. It’s the paradox of the 2017 vintage that really defines this wine: the abundant spring rains marking the end of a five-year drought coupled with the late summer and early autumn heat wave that kept yields in the vineyard well below average. The finish is sunny and warm, with a structured bite that will leave a memorable impression.

Pair with a big piece of red meat cooked over an open flame, a dog-eared copy of Nietzsche’s Beyond Good & Evil, crank up the powerful tenor saxophone sounds of Sonny Rollins, and let it all hit you right smack in the face. Consider that maybe there is no good or evil - only power, and those with the courage to wield it.

Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown

Barrels: 100% French Oak – 1/3 new, 1/3 year-old, 1/3 neutral, 18 months

ABV: 16.1%

290 cases produced