2018 Repris Moon Mountain Vineyard Zinfandel

Repris is in the Mayacamas Mountains above the city of Sonoma. It has been the site of vineyards and winemaking since the 19th century, and in the late 20th century was at various times owned by international corporations. But its new life as a small-batch producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Bordeaux-style blends started in 2011, when Jim Momtazee acquired the historic Moon Mountain Vineyard and winery. The winemaker Erich Bradley, and Repris expects to keep production to no more than 10,000 cases a year. Wines are generally available only through the winery and its mailing list.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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.