Robert Craig Zinfandel 'Black Sears Vineyard' Howell Mountain (2022)

This gorgeous Zinfandel hails from the incredible Black Sears Vineyard, found — quite literally if you’ve got a good arm — a stone’s throw from our estate vineyard gate at the top of Howell Mountain. This biodynamic, dry-farmed vineyard’s head-trained vines were planted in the mid 1970s, and they continue to mark time and the change of seasons at the top of Howell Mountain. We would never mess around with producing a Zinfandel if it weren’t for the fact that Black Sears is right next door, and we firmly believe it is the greatest Zinfandel vineyard on earth.

Our 2022 Black Sears Vineyard Zinfandel, Howell Mountain, is a completely pure, focused expression of the vineyard. Another short crop in a cool year with a splash of heat at harvest means that the white pepper and red, volcanic stone accents are woven deeply into the exotic, dark fruit that shines brightly from the glass. The signature fruit is powerful but does not overwhelm the structure. This Zinfandel displays terroir in a manner that speaks of effortless talent; like watching Shohei Ohtani hit one out of the park.