Boeger Winery

The El Dorado AVA, like the rest of the Sierra Foothills, is prime Zinfandel country, and the Boeger family has over a quarter of a century’s experience with this, and many other varietals.

Sourced from the family’s Walker Vineyard, this Zin comes from gnarly, thirty year old head pruned vines. The vineyard is at 2,100 feet elevation, typical for the AVA whose requirements include that vineyard land be situated between 1,200 and 3,500 feet. The soil here is decomposed granite and is excellent for drainage. At this elevation the vines are above the fog line, enjoying all four seasons, and just enough basking in the sun. In summer, eastern breezes from the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains prevent over exposure to daytime temperature spikes.

Bright, viscous, and moderately saturated ruby in color, this stellar Zin has aromas of funk, mulch, strawberry, and candied fruits. On the palate the wine is full and round with silky layers of wintergreen, black and white peppercorn, and bing cherry. Juicy, mouthwatering acids offset the silky richness. On the finish, the wine has notes of freshly ground French roast coffee beans.

Reviewed December 18, 2006 by Catherine Fallis.