Amapola Creek Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel 2014

The nose on this wine opens quickly with big layers of black plum and brambleberry. Swirl the glass, and you will find the nose developing notes of mocha and cedar under the fruit, with just a hint of crushed black pepper. The acidity is crisp and lends to the intensity of the fruit, which quickly opens into characters of summer blackberry and juicy plums. The tannins are rich and full, and carry the palate through to a finish brimming with toasty vanilla and red licorice.

Richard Arrowood is an iconic winemaster who has been making wine exclusively in Sonoma County for more than for 45 years. From 1974 through 1990, he created the wines for Chateau St. Jean, where he developed some of the first vineyard-designate Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Sonoma County. He and his wife, Alis, founded Arrowood Winery with the 1985 vintage. Each year, they made extraordinary small-lot varietals and vineyard designates. Richard was the winemaster at Arrowood Winery until June 2010, when he resigned his position to devote himself full-time to making wines for his estate winery, Amapola Creek Vineyards and Winery.