Zinfandel from Paso Robles is known for its full-bodied flavors, with notes of black cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, and pepper. The wines tend to be high in alcohol and have a sweet, jammy character with a good balance of tannins. The finish is usually long and spicy, making it a great match for dishes like brisket and BBQ as well as Asian-influenced dishes.
The Vineyard
This vintage of Zinfandel is a departure for us from years of making wine with fruit from Dry Creek Valley. In 2020, due to the fires in Sonoma County, we were unable to harvest fruit from the vineyard we had previously bought fruit from. We were fortunate to have been introduced to the Rotta Winery and its old vines. The vineyard sits on the valley floor and boasts sandy soil, cooler mornings and nights, and warm days.
Winemaking
The fruit was picked, shipped, and pressed and we followed the same process we have used for previous vintages.
In the Cellar: Fermentation in open-top tanks with manual punch down 2 - 4 times a day
Length of time in fermentor: 7 days
Oak Regimen: Aged in 2-year-old French oak and American oak barrels for 24 months
Specs
Vintage: 2020
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Willow Creek, Templeton (Paso Robles), California
Harvest Date: September 2020
Release Date: 2022
Alcohol: 14.8%
pH: 3.78
Residual Sugar: Less than 0.1%
Production: 100 cases
Winemakers: Dick Handal, Lucas Meeker, David Noyes, Consulting Winemaker
An award-winning, family-run winery in the heart of Dry Creek Valley
Our fascination with wine-grape growing began in South America, where we lived in Ecuador for 38 years, and continues today with our grape growing and wine-making ventures in Sonoma County.
For over twenty years we were primarily grape growers selling our premium grapes to some of the best wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties with whom we have long-standing relationships. One of our client wineries was Wellington Vineyards in Glen Ellen owned by the Wellington family of Sonoma. Peter Wellington, owner-winemaker, produced several award-winning, vineyard-specific Cabernet Sauvignons, including one from our Dry Creek Vineyard. Peter Wellington helped us develop and make our wines. We grew and produced boutique lots of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sagrantino, a Red Blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon at the Wellington facility in Glen Ellen. We now produce our wines at the Meeker custom crush facility in Healdsburg and continue to receive consulting support from Peter Wellington as well as David Noyes who also worked with Wellington.
We continue to source excellent Zinfandel and Syrah grapes from small family-owned vineyards that follow our high standards in growing grapes using organic practices and supporting sustainability. These farming relationships ensure that our grapes will continue to produce award-winning wines.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@losthighwayz Sounds like they are describing Zins from Paso Robles in general, not necessarily their own. That being said, I’m a Lab Rat and the tasting notes are pretty spot on, so I guess they nailed it.
As you can see, I have a fancy glass of what looks like raspberry jello. It smells hot and jammy red fruit with just a hint of black. Black cherry, cranberry, and lingonberry take the lead as the wine opens up with a hint of cedar.
The taste is much brighter than what I am used to with zinfandel. The fruit is forward, but not over ripened, and accompanied by some dried herbs, pink peppercorns, very light smoke, and some pleasant minerality. I’m not surprised to read low residual sugar. While I don’t drink a ton of Zinfandel, this is much more elegant than what I expect from the grape. The 14.8% alcohol is noticeable, but certainly isn’t slowing me down.
My wife is calling me to bed (not in a sexy way, but in the HELLO!?, it’s 2am kind of way), so I don’t have time left this evening to cook. But aside from the usual bbq, etc. I am intrigued to try this out with a roast turkey or some Swedish meatballs. The cranberry sauce notes have me salivating. If I have time to cook the latter tomorrow, I will report my findings.
Ultimately, I was impressed by this and may come around to some Zinfandel after all. At the very least, I will undoubtedly check out some of their other offerings. Anyone who’s worked with Peter Wellington gets a gold star in my book. I have been happy with the Meeker wines I’ve purchased over the years as well. This Denier-Handal comes across, to me at least, as some well-made juice.
Denier-Handel 2020 Paso Robles Zinfandel.
TLDR: needs at least an hour of air, better day 2, serve at a cooler temperature, 62 was nice, so you might need to throw a cube in it, enjoy with food.
Nose started out with 14.8% alcohol. Some bright cherry after an hour.
Palate was not at the typical jammy, raspberry, cherry, brambly fruit end of the Zin spectrum, but a moderate fruit of dark plum, fig, tobacco.
Peppery finish increased on day 2.
Medium plus body, acidity and tannins handled the alcohol.
In the near term, I would decant for an hour and return to the bottle for a few hours prior to serving.
At a blind tasting I would have guessed Zinfandel, but not confidently so.
The professional photographers will have a nice picture of a full bottle, mine is empty.
Thanks to everyone at Casemates for the nifty logo glass and the opportunity to rat.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 Denier Handal Zinfandel, Paso Robles - $50 = 20.83%
@TimW When I think about Asian influenced dishes I think about dishes that use Ponzu sauce, tea smoked meats, rice cooked in mirin and finished with deeper flavored citrus zest such as blood orange or kumquat.
This wine also pairs well with Middle Eastern flavors such kibbeh which is Dick Handal’s favorite dish: lamb meatballs that are seasoned with sumac, zaatar, cinnamon and black pepper.
Our 2020 Zinfandel was released to you, our Casemates family, first before releasing it to the public. Thank you for your support of our family winery.
Any #DMV interest folks? Bunny will be on lockdown in the #den (not by choice) but can reappear in June for an exchange if someone else wants to take delivery. DM me or txt me if interested…
Is there an estimatge on how long to cellar this wine? I too have loved all the Denierhandal wines from the past. And if Peter has been helping, it is auto buy for me.
I had a bottle of this last night from a previous offering. I’d be in for a case except I’m one case over capacity right now. If you’re a Zin drinker, this is a classic, smooth Zin.
In for a case. Paso Robles fruit is skyrocketing these days. I’d be hard pressed to find a quality PR zin at under $16 per bottle. Heck, even at the $33 price tag. I trust Noyes and Meeker. Quality winemakers imo
2020 Denier Handal Zinfandel, Paso Robles
Tasting Notes
The Vineyard
Winemaking
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $396/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, May 8 - Tuesday, May 9
2020 Denier Handal Zinfandel
4 bottles for $79.99 $20/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $189.99 $15.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Weird tasting notes. I’ve never heard of a winery describing their wine as high alcohol!
@losthighwayz except it’s not a tasting note for this wine. It reads like a totally generic description of a paso Zin.
@losthighwayz Sounds like they are describing Zins from Paso Robles in general, not necessarily their own. That being said, I’m a Lab Rat and the tasting notes are pretty spot on, so I guess they nailed it.
@char2na Thank you!
Didn’t see any tasting notes, just winery description. Is it somewhere else?
@CroutonOllie Not on this page, the main offer page, or whatever it’s called.
As you can see, I have a fancy glass of what looks like raspberry jello. It smells hot and jammy red fruit with just a hint of black. Black cherry, cranberry, and lingonberry take the lead as the wine opens up with a hint of cedar.
The taste is much brighter than what I am used to with zinfandel. The fruit is forward, but not over ripened, and accompanied by some dried herbs, pink peppercorns, very light smoke, and some pleasant minerality. I’m not surprised to read low residual sugar. While I don’t drink a ton of Zinfandel, this is much more elegant than what I expect from the grape. The 14.8% alcohol is noticeable, but certainly isn’t slowing me down.
My wife is calling me to bed (not in a sexy way, but in the HELLO!?, it’s 2am kind of way), so I don’t have time left this evening to cook. But aside from the usual bbq, etc. I am intrigued to try this out with a roast turkey or some Swedish meatballs. The cranberry sauce notes have me salivating. If I have time to cook the latter tomorrow, I will report my findings.
Ultimately, I was impressed by this and may come around to some Zinfandel after all. At the very least, I will undoubtedly check out some of their other offerings. Anyone who’s worked with Peter Wellington gets a gold star in my book. I have been happy with the Meeker wines I’ve purchased over the years as well. This Denier-Handal comes across, to me at least, as some well-made juice.
@char2na
Thank you sir, and hope this wasn’t day 2 that you are on the list.
Denier-Handel 2020 Paso Robles Zinfandel.
TLDR: needs at least an hour of air, better day 2, serve at a cooler temperature, 62 was nice, so you might need to throw a cube in it, enjoy with food.
Nose started out with 14.8% alcohol. Some bright cherry after an hour.
Palate was not at the typical jammy, raspberry, cherry, brambly fruit end of the Zin spectrum, but a moderate fruit of dark plum, fig, tobacco.
Peppery finish increased on day 2.
Medium plus body, acidity and tannins handled the alcohol.
In the near term, I would decant for an hour and return to the bottle for a few hours prior to serving.
At a blind tasting I would have guessed Zinfandel, but not confidently so.
The professional photographers will have a nice picture of a full bottle, mine is empty.
Thanks to everyone at Casemates for the nifty logo glass and the opportunity to rat.
Obligatory photo
@msten I hate to tell you, but it appears that someone drank all your wine.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 Denier Handal Zinfandel, Paso Robles - $50 = 20.83%
Winery recommends pairing with “Asian influenced dishes”. I would never think of drinking zin with Asian influenced food…maybe I should try it???
@TimW When I think about Asian influenced dishes I think about dishes that use Ponzu sauce, tea smoked meats, rice cooked in mirin and finished with deeper flavored citrus zest such as blood orange or kumquat.
This wine also pairs well with Middle Eastern flavors such kibbeh which is Dick Handal’s favorite dish: lamb meatballs that are seasoned with sumac, zaatar, cinnamon and black pepper.
@denierhandal @TimW I think I need to make myself some kibbeh. The Trader Joe’s version was nowhere near as delicious as that sounds.
@denierhandal @TimW
Can you point those of us not familiar to a quality kibbeh recipe?
I’ve never been disappointed with all my Denier Handal purchases over the years here and on the old site. In for 2 cases.
@sosptuba Thank you! We love our fans and so happy to have you as a loyal customer!
Our 2020 Zinfandel was released to you, our Casemates family, first before releasing it to the public. Thank you for your support of our family winery.
@denierhandal
to announce new product launches (on the old site).
We used to use a
Good to see you back.
Any #DMV interest folks? Bunny will be on lockdown in the #den (not by choice) but can reappear in June for an exchange if someone else wants to take delivery. DM me or txt me if interested…
@denierhandal does aged in two year old oak mean twice used oak barrels? Thank you
Any idea on the age-ability of this wine? I have the 2019 vintage listed as 5 to 9 years.
Is there an estimatge on how long to cellar this wine? I too have loved all the Denierhandal wines from the past. And if Peter has been helping, it is auto buy for me.
I had a bottle of this last night from a previous offering. I’d be in for a case except I’m one case over capacity right now. If you’re a Zin drinker, this is a classic, smooth Zin.
@GatorFL said:
I had a bottle of this last night from a previous offering
@denierhandal said:
This vintage and vineyard?
It appears from the offer this is a first time offer.
In for a case. Paso Robles fruit is skyrocketing these days. I’d be hard pressed to find a quality PR zin at under $16 per bottle. Heck, even at the $33 price tag. I trust Noyes and Meeker. Quality winemakers imo
/giphy omnipotent-designed-engine
