A Californian Hidden Gem: Viano Vineyards Private Stock Zinfandel 2018 from Contra Costa County on the San Francisco Coast: one to try, and a snip at £159 per case of 12 bottles delivered

Here is a hidden gem from California, the Contra Costa County Private Stock Zinfandel—it is impossible not to like it! Ripe, velvety, bursting with juicy red and black fruits, cracked black pepper and a balsamic note on the finish, it is fully organic, it is drinking well, and it pairs beautifully with rich and robust dishes including lamb, liver, game and cheese.

The wine is made by brothers John and David at Viano Vineyards in an inlet from San Francisco Bay, between Napa Valley and Livermore. When the Viano family arrived here from their native Piedmont in 1920 they found hillsides surrounding a fertile little valley planted with old vines, some dating back to 1888, with warm days and cool nights, all ideal for creating excellent wines.

Today Viano is the last remaining winery in these parts, the family refusing to bow to the urbanisation which has consumed the San Francisco Bay area and driven real-estate prices sky-high. Some of their vineyards are the original 1888 plantings, others are more recent, but all are dry farmed organically, with no recourse to chemical fertilisers or pesticides. Furthermore, the Viano Vineyards wines are produced, bottled and marketed directly, and they have a reputation for high quality and some of the best value in the USA—and even better value for our Members, to whom the Club Tasting Panel highly recommends this delicious wine.

Case of 12 bottles. RRP £226. CCUK £159 including UK mainland delivery.

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