2018 DeLoach Vineyards Zinfandel Russian River 750 ml

Few estates know Zinfandel like DeLoach. They pioneered the variety in the Russian River Valley in the ‘70s and they’ve honed their Zin-crafting skill to the tune of thousands of words of critical praise since then. It’s all led up to this generous 2018, a wine showcasing the power and grace we love in Zinfandel.

It’s such a shining Zin example that we locked up as much as we could for Wine Access members. 

We call the 2018 the Frank Sinatra of Zinfandels: classic and timeless, suave and composed, with powerful bursts of fruit and spice flavors, like the bold, perfectly coordinated brass punches from “Wine and Roses.” Jeb Dunnuck loved its “terrific purity, no hard edges, and a good finish” and we have to agree. 

Standout Zinfandels are nothing new for DeLoach. Over the years, they’ve crafted Zins that Robert Parker has called “superb” and Vinous has praised as “impeccably balanced,” on the way to twelve Wine & Spirits Top 100 Winery placements. Owner and Burgundy legend Jean-Charles Boisset, a Wine Enthusiast “Innovator of the Year,” has implemented the traditional Burgundian vineyard and cellar practices at DeLoach, and now the winery continues to soar higher every year. 

This 2018 effortlessly follows in those footsteps. When we talk about vibrant fruit, when we say a wine is polished—this is what we mean. With dark fruit, cherry, and tobacco flavors born in the Russian River Valley’s cool-climate vineyards, this is an endlessly satisfying bottle sure to make frequent appearances at our summer barbeques, late-night gatherings, and special occasion dinners.

Fourth-generation winemaker Brian Maloney, who has crafted top-scoring, $100+ reds as winemaker at the historic Buena Vista Winery (an honor once held by the great André Tchelistcheff), is backed by Boisset’s spare-no-expense philosophy to craft top-quality wines for DeLoach. The results are spectacular.  

Grapes from the BCD Vineyard ripen slowly in the cool fog and 40-degree temperature swings, adding bright acidity to the wine. Slusser Vineyard balances that vibrance with dark fruit flavors and aromatics, while old vines from the 90+ year-old Saitone and Boschetti vineyards add a dark spice character and polished tannins. 

A 13-month rest in 15% new French oak rounds out the flavors, contributing depth while preserving the wine’s fruit purity. It’s a statement bottle from DeLoach—this Russian River Valley pillar refuses to sit on their laurels, and we all get to reap the rewards.