93 points WS & JD
Cortina Zinfandel represents their peak expression of Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley. Named for the gravelly loam soils where this variety thrives, the heart of Cortina comes from Chen’s Vineyard, planted by the Seghesio Family in 1972. Shrouded by morning fog and cooled by afternoon breezes, the grapes benefit from longer hang time, resulting in an elegant Zinfandel with lifted aromatics, bright layered fruit and refined structure.
Aromas of lilac, wild blueberry tart, cedar and moss give way to bright acidity on the palate. Cortina Zinfandel features vibrant blue fruit and a touch of white pepper that carries through to the wine’s long elegant finish.
A perfect partner to this wine would be a rack or leg of lamb. The richness of the wine and the combination of berry and spice notes would meld perfectly with the lamb’s rich and earthy flavor.