1985 Sutter Home Reserve Zinfandel, 12-bottle Lot, Wood Case

Sutter Home Family Vineyards is a historic estate that was purchased by the Trinchero family in 1948. In the early 1970s the estate was producing a sweeter wine it called White Zinfandel, creating a market for sweeter wines in the U.S. It also helped make Moscato popular in this country. Today the estate makes a broad portfolio of red, white, pink and sparkling wines. The estate is still run by the Trinchero family, and it is one of the largest wine producers in the nation by volume.

Sierra Foothills AVA is in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it includes parts of eight counties. With total acreage of 2.6 million acres, and nearly 6,000 vineyard acres, it is one of the largest appellations in California. Wine grapes were planted in the foothills during the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century and the appellation was officially recognized in 1987. There are five sub-appellations within the Sierra Foothills region, and more than 100 wineries, most small and family-owned. Zinfandel is the most successful wine grape in this region, though Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also planted.

Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape, but 85% of the wine produced is made into a rosy “White Zinfandel.” Red Zin is far more complex and bold, while still being light-bodied. It grows in popularity as winemakers continue to experiment with new styles and blends.