What Makes Our 2020 Shake Ridge Zinfandel Special?
Every wine has a story to tell and our 2020 Shake Ridge Zinfandel is definitely one worth sharing.
Not everyone may know this, but our in-house winemaker, Mark Fowler, used to work for Shake Ridge Ranch’s acclaimed vineyard owner, Ann Kraemer. Mark is a second generation foothill winemaker who soaked in Ann’s expertise, which spans years of working in Napa Valley, Chile and Oregon.
Shake Ridge Ranch is an adolescent by vineyard standards, just starting to yield fruit in 2005; yet, because of Ann’s meticulous vineyard practices, it continues to bring attention to our area, including elite vintners throughout Napa and Sonoma.
“If there’s an aesthetic thread that courses through wines from Shake Ridge Ranch - it’s effusive aromas, generous yet tempered tannins, and fealty to any given grape variety’s color, texture and flavor, “ noted by wine writer Mike Dunne, who wrote about the vineyard in 2019 for the San Francisco Chronicle.
In fact, few vineyards, especially as young as Shake Ridge Ranch, have as many wines listed on Napa Valley’s acclaimed restaurant, The French Laundry - 11 total.
With a long waiting list of winemakers hoping for the opportunity to purchase her grapes, it wasn’t until some of Ann’s clients dropped out during the panic of 2020, that we had a chance to secure her Zinfandel grapes.
Ann stopped by for a barrel tasting with Mark last August to check up on her “babies.”
Her verdict?
“Well done, Mark. It’s going to be a good wine.”
And so it is…
We are producing a limited production line (150-200 cases) from some of the foothills most prized Zinfandel vineyards, including, of course, Shake Ridge Ranch, as well as Fox Creek, Distasio (1911), and Friedlander Estate. All the Zinfandels from this limited release series will be offered first to Club Andis members and available for tasting at special events only.
93 points - Wine Enthusiast
Andis 2020 Shake Ridge Ranch Reserve Zinfandel (Sierra Foothills). This very layered wine is almost naughty in its decadence and deliciousness. Plump ripe fruit notes of bright red cherry, black plum and boysenberry join with complementary tones of vanilla, nutmeg, black tea, chocolate, black olive and game meat. Tannins are mouth coating yet smooth. The finish provides a lingering integration of aromas and flavors. — S.B.