2018 Beauregard Estate Zinfandel

Santa Cruz Mountains, California

The Beauregard Ranch vineyard site was part of an original 160 acre vineyard and apple orchard planted in the early 1900’s, abandoned during prohibition and then resurrected in 1945 when retired Sherrif’s deputy Amos Beauregard purchased the property. It sits at an elevation of 1700 to 1850 feet. The Zinfandel sits on the highest part of the property, well above the fogline, with temperatures 15 degrees warmer than just a few miles down the road.  Harvested with 20% raisins and aged in large French oak, puncheons, this is a bold but balanced wine.The extraction, tannins, alcohol, acid, and color are big and muscular. The nose offers a concentrated sweet perfume of stewing berries along side newly tilled earth. The palate is juicy and chewy with flavors of ripe blackberry, dates, and bacon jam. The wine has a long finish with smooth tannins.

92 points, Wine Enthusiast. "Ryan Beauregard is showing smart restraint in his effort to tame and direct this mountain-grown Zinfandel. Aromas of berry jam, redwood and charcuterie are complex and savory on the nose. The lightly bodied palate offers crunchy cranberry, light pomegranate, hints of baked earth and crumpled herbs. There's a toasty tone to the finish."