2021 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Tasting Notes
Our 2021 Family Ranches Zinfandel is another in an extensive line of exquisite examples of this mouth-watering cuvee of small historic blocks of Zinfandel selected from several Russian River Valley ranches. The color is bold and vibrant garnet, nearly opaque. The wine offers compelling notes of black licorice, spiced tea leaves, raspberry, and allspice, with subtle notes of fresh anise on the nose. This dark yet lively and balanced wine is lovely in appearance swirling in the glass with its lavender-edge tones, exhibiting compelling aromas. Mouth filling dark berry notes fill the palate, followed by an array of brown spices that dazzle the senses. The 2021 vintage offers notes of lush Bing cherries, raspberry, cola, and leathery notes and textures. Medium to full in body, the 2021 Family Ranches Zinfandel sports a mouth-watering acidity and mild tannins that add appeal to this engaging wine. This is an age-worthy wine, which may be enjoyed now with your favorite dishes with family and friends, or saved for another 5 to 7 years.
Growing Season
The 2021 growing season began with a dry, chilly winter, however, spring saw temperatures quickly rise, prompting a burst of vigorous vine growth leading to a successful budburst and flowering. Temperatures throughout the summer months remained steadily moderate. The San Francisco Chronicle featured a front-page article in 2021, highlighting the summer months for this year were the state’s driest on record since 1895—the year when recordkeeping began!
Although yield quantities were smaller than usual because of the drought, the quality of the fruit was superb. The water scarcity and long growing season had concentrated the grapes while retaining crucial and coveted aromatics and acidity. Aside from the lack of water, the weather was excellent for this year, with mild temperatures at the end of the growing season. The drought regulated the natural crop load on the vines, thus requiring less severe pruning and dropping of fruit. The resulting grapes were packed full of flavor. We saw intense levels of fruit characteristics, exceptional quality of tannins, and well-balanced chemistry and acidity. Picking began early, ahead of average. Heat in late August compacted the harvest, and our historically dry-farmed sites remained successful despite a lack of rain and groundwater due to the old vine’s adaptive nature to the soil. This was an excellent year for whole cluster fermentation, as acidity was high and grape skins were mature and healthy with small berry size offering outstanding concentration. 2021 is an outstanding vintage with very dark and extracted fruit, with nice balance and freshness. The wines are exceptional, bright, fresh, and fully flavored.
The Vineyards
The winegrapes for our Family Ranches Zinfandel is culled from several small, family-owned vineyards in the famed Russian River Valley. The Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel is a cuvee of several old vine blocks, dating as far back as 1900, and select smaller, younger vine blocks, all organically grown and dry-farmed. “Family Ranches” is our way of paying homage to all that passionately tend their vines, cultivate low yields of exceptional fruit, sometimes in tiny quantities, carefully nurturing young, and meticulously preserving old vine vineyard blocks for our enjoyment now, and for that of future generations.
Specs
Varietal: 100% Indigenous yeast fermented Old Vine Zinfandel
Appellation: 100% Russian River Valley
Barrel Regime: 80% American oak/ 20% French oak aged 18 months, from dry-farmed, organically grown, hand-harvested, double hand-sorted fruit
Alcohol: 15.3%
What’s Included
2-bottles:
2x 2021 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel, Russian River Valley Case:
12x 2021 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Guided by the family heritage of over six generations of wine-grape growers, Gamba firmly believes that wines are made in the vineyard. Every Gamba Zinfandel is an individual expression of the vineyard with each unique vintage. The limited-production, handcrafted wines are a tribute to the art of farming as much as they are to generations of traditional Old World winemaking. As the few remaining old-vine vineyards slowly continue to disappear from the landscape, Gamba holds dear and strives to preserve what is quickly becoming a limited commodity: truly Old Vine Zinfandel.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@ern1 Would you share with us your favored wine profile and how this offering overlaps with it? Also, if you’ve tried Gamba’s other zin offerings, would you venture a comparison? (Thanks.)
@takethefarm Oh boy calling me out I have had several of their different bottlings and discovered them on some flash sites many years ago when first getting into wine. I am still on their mailing list but they are generally priced out of my comfort zone at MSRP. The wines I remember had that briary/spicy component I really like in old vine zins. They are generally high alcohol but remain balanced. Really great vibrant fruits and wonderful juicy component (acidity) that kept me coming back. Its rare to see them discounted like this so as I was laying in bed and saw it pop I knew I would be a buyer.
I cant speak to the newer vintages but the lab report looks good so I have no regrets.
If you are a zin lover I think you would do very well to have this on hand. I hope the vintner chimes in but I know on weekends that seems to rarely happen.
What exceptional timing! We had just ran out of reds when I got the notification of lab rat wine! And wow did this one deliver. After a day in the chiller, we settled into our Thursday night shows. Poured into an aluminum cup, we let it warm up just a little. Strong notes of plum and blackberry; it had a smooth and delicious oak finish. I may have tasted some pepper and leather (wonderful by the way) but overall this is a wonderful wine. Easy to drink even at a higher proof speaks well to its creators. A must buy in my opinion!
@alacercogitatus@InFrom@karenhynes I have an insulated stainless steel stem less wine goblet that0 I use sometimes. Nice in the summer by the pool keeps whites colder longer too
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel - $90 = 27.26%
This looks/sounds delicious. Anyone in SF or immediate Bay Area interested in a split, ideally a three way? I could go for four bottles and possibly six but don’t have the space or funds for a case.
@empiriKal Well, thank you so much for the unsolicited advice. But I think you must be confused, this is not the Fox News message board. I have now lived in SF for 20+ years and wake up everyday knowing I am in one of the greatest cities in the world, so I don’t really need input from someone who probably hasn’t been here in years (if ever). Have a great day, I know I will.
@davidj94112@deadlyapp@empiriKal
Little is censored here, but administrators have decided political comments on the daily here and on other meh sites are game for deletion. To continue, take it to the poli’ticks thread.
@davidj94112@deadlyapp@empiriKal
I think WineDavid59, or some of his staff (Alice?), has been known to alert other nearby 'mates someone is looking to split. Don’t recall if it’s via email or in the thread.
@klezman I wouldn’t know where that is but as I said I was quiet. I didn’t say anything. Perhaps you might tell the other fella. I didn’t want to offend anyone’s delicate sensibilities.
@klezman my intent was to stay out of trouble . I didn’t think this the place for politics and thought the comment was rude no matter your political view.
@klezman@marjoryk This is one of the reasons meh established a thread for political/election related comments for the other sites and moderate the main offer threads; we already had our own poli’ticks thread dedicated to those discussions.
Sorry for being a late Rat! It’s the end of the Boating & Camping Season! I’ve been extremely busy getting our boat winterized and stored. Today, I was at the campgrounds prepping our 37 ft Travel Trailer for Winter.
First, Thanks to Alice and to the supporting staff that keeps the wine coming each week!
On Wednesday, I uncorked the bottle and let it breathe for about 4 hrs. I poured a quick sample. The wine showed long legs on the swirl in a Casemates wine glass. Color was a dark garnet. On the nose, I mainly got spice and some alcohol and had a hard time discerning the fruit in the background. I sealed the bottle for Thursday sampling. The wine hadn’t changed. Friday, I was able to sit down with Pork Schnitzel, Spätzle, and Green Beans. I was finally able to discern the previously hidden plum and other dark fruit. Again the Spice and Alcohol was up front and during the finish. I’ve consumed a lot of Zin over the years and never tasted so much spice in a Zin. If you like a lot of dominant spice and alcohol in a Zin, this offer is for you! I noted on the label that the alcohol was 15.3% by Volume. I’ll be heading back to the Campground again on Sunday putting the TT to bed for the Winter so I probably won’t be available to answer questions.
Hello! Thank you all for your interest in Gamba wines. We are a small, generational family owned and operated business in the Russian River Valley, specializing in Zinfandels with a passion for old vines. Our estate vineyard was plated in 1900, and we continue to source from these vines today. Please do not hesitate with any questions you may have!
@gambawinery Welcome!
Being new to our group here, could you please identify yourself and function with the winery?
We can be a bit geeky as well. Perhaps you have some labs you could post, just the usual stuff; Ph RS, TA and such.
Properly cellared, and based on your experience with your other bottlings, what kind of life do you see here? I’ve had some pretty stunning bottles of Zin well past 10 and even at 20 years post vintage.
Just curious.
2021 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Tasting Notes
Growing Season
The Vineyards
Specs
What’s Included
2-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $708/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, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 18 - Wednesday, Nov 20
2021 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel
2 bottles for $54.99 $27.50/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $239.99 $20/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Whoa! One of my all time favorite zin producers. No rats needed! Case ordered.
@ern1 Would you share with us your favored wine profile and how this offering overlaps with it? Also, if you’ve tried Gamba’s other zin offerings, would you venture a comparison? (Thanks.)
@takethefarm Oh boy calling me out
I have had several of their different bottlings and discovered them on some flash sites many years ago when first getting into wine. I am still on their mailing list but they are generally priced out of my comfort zone at MSRP. The wines I remember had that briary/spicy component I really like in old vine zins. They are generally high alcohol but remain balanced. Really great vibrant fruits and wonderful juicy component (acidity) that kept me coming back. Its rare to see them discounted like this so as I was laying in bed and saw it pop I knew I would be a buyer.
I cant speak to the newer vintages but the lab report looks good so I have no regrets.
If you are a zin lover I think you would do very well to have this on hand. I hope the vintner chimes in but I know on weekends that seems to rarely happen.
@ern1 @takethefarm Hi there! Thank you for kinds words and interest in our wines. Happy to answer any questions!
What exceptional timing! We had just ran out of reds when I got the notification of lab rat wine! And wow did this one deliver. After a day in the chiller, we settled into our Thursday night shows. Poured into an aluminum cup, we let it warm up just a little. Strong notes of plum and blackberry; it had a smooth and delicious oak finish. I may have tasted some pepper and leather (wonderful by the way) but overall this is a wonderful wine. Easy to drink even at a higher proof speaks well to its creators. A must buy in my opinion!
@alacercogitatus
“ran out of reds”…
does not compute…does not compute,
*I may have more red than I could possible consume in 10+ years. (that may or may not be an exaggeration)
@karenhynes
Everyday might have to become a “two bottle Friday.”
@alacercogitatus Ran out of reds? I “may” hold off ordering more when I have a case or 2 in boxes after filling my 200+ racked bottles.
@alacercogitatus @karenhynes The aluminium cup is what brought me up short.
@karenhynes I only have room to store about 12 bottles at a time
@InFrom @karenhynes TBF, it’s a Yeti Mug that holds 1/2 bottle. Keeps it chilled a bit longer than glass
not that it lasts long in the glass anyway.
@alacercogitatus @InFrom @karenhynes
That one got a raised eyebrow from me as well.
@alacercogitatus @InFrom @karenhynes I have an insulated stainless steel stem less wine goblet that0 I use sometimes. Nice in the summer by the pool keeps whites colder longer too
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel - $90 = 27.26%
This looks/sounds delicious. Anyone in SF or immediate Bay Area interested in a split, ideally a three way? I could go for four bottles and possibly six but don’t have the space or funds for a case.
@davidj94112 then why not move out of that liberal cesspool?
@empiriKal Well, thank you so much for the unsolicited advice. But I think you must be confused, this is not the Fox News message board. I have now lived in SF for 20+ years and wake up everyday knowing I am in one of the greatest cities in the world, so I don’t really need input from someone who probably hasn’t been here in years (if ever). Have a great day, I know I will.
@davidj94112 it was a wild comment to make on a wine website where literally 90% of the wine in the US is made in the state lol
@davidj94112 @deadlyapp @empiriKal
Little is censored here, but administrators have decided political comments on the daily here and on other meh sites are game for deletion. To continue, take it to the poli’ticks thread.
@deadlyapp @empiriKal @rjquillin Not trying to be political, just trying to find some Casemates (hey, they should have a web site for that).
@davidj94112 @deadlyapp @empiriKal
I think WineDavid59, or some of his staff (Alice?), has been known to alert other nearby 'mates someone is looking to split. Don’t recall if it’s via email or in the thread.
@davidj94112 I’ll take some of you order a case. I’m in SF. Happy to take 3 or 6.
Oooh boy gonna keep quiet now.
@marjoryk I love a robust political discussion where all are open to hearing different ideas and perspectives. Bring it to the politics thread!
@klezman I didn’t say anything.
@klezman I wouldn’t know where that is but as I said I was quiet. I didn’t say anything. Perhaps you might tell the other fella. I didn’t want to offend anyone’s delicate sensibilities.
@marjoryk then I probably just misread your intent. NBD.
@klezman my intent was to stay out of trouble . I didn’t think this the place for politics and thought the comment was rude no matter your political view.
@klezman @marjoryk This is one of the reasons meh established a thread for political/election related comments for the other sites and moderate the main offer threads; we already had our own poli’ticks thread dedicated to those discussions.
I grew up in Valley…first in St Helena then Calistoga before building a house at the end of Redwood Rd in Napa. I know wine and I know cesspools.
Sorry for being a late Rat! It’s the end of the Boating & Camping Season! I’ve been extremely busy getting our boat winterized and stored. Today, I was at the campgrounds prepping our 37 ft Travel Trailer for Winter.
First, Thanks to Alice and to the supporting staff that keeps the wine coming each week!
On Wednesday, I uncorked the bottle and let it breathe for about 4 hrs. I poured a quick sample. The wine showed long legs on the swirl in a Casemates wine glass. Color was a dark garnet. On the nose, I mainly got spice and some alcohol and had a hard time discerning the fruit in the background. I sealed the bottle for Thursday sampling. The wine hadn’t changed. Friday, I was able to sit down with Pork Schnitzel, Spätzle, and Green Beans. I was finally able to discern the previously hidden plum and other dark fruit. Again the Spice and Alcohol was up front and during the finish. I’ve consumed a lot of Zin over the years and never tasted so much spice in a Zin. If you like a lot of dominant spice and alcohol in a Zin, this offer is for you! I noted on the label that the alcohol was 15.3% by Volume. I’ll be heading back to the Campground again on Sunday putting the TT to bed for the Winter so I probably won’t be available to answer questions.
Hello! Thank you all for your interest in Gamba wines. We are a small, generational family owned and operated business in the Russian River Valley, specializing in Zinfandels with a passion for old vines. Our estate vineyard was plated in 1900, and we continue to source from these vines today. Please do not hesitate with any questions you may have!
@gambawinery @rjquillin not my business I’m aware but I believe they need their vintner header or whatever it’s called
@gambawinery @marjoryk
working
Yup, a bit late getting up this morning, and need to wait for the upper tier to get those
@gambawinery Welcome!
Being new to our group here, could you please identify yourself and function with the winery?
We can be a bit geeky as well. Perhaps you have some labs you could post, just the usual stuff; Ph RS, TA and such.
Properly cellared, and based on your experience with your other bottlings, what kind of life do you see here? I’ve had some pretty stunning bottles of Zin well past 10 and even at 20 years post vintage.
Just curious.
I’d like to share a case with anyone in Manhattan (NY).
/giphy loony-annoying-swordfish
@kasandrae thought that might be you, lighting up the great lakes State
Anyone interested in sharing a case , 2-6 ways, in Boston/So. NH area?
Anyone want to split a case in Atlanta?