A Zinfandel Weekend in Amador Series: Amador Cellars
LOCATION: 11093 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth
COST PER TASTING: $5
Amador Cellars is a small family-run winery that produces a mere 3-5000 cases annually. Sister and brother pair, Ashley Long and winemaker Michael, run day-to-day operations at the estate. The winery makes several Italian varieties, but focuses on its 10 acres of estate Zinfandel. The tasting room, built in 2003 has the look of an old converted farmhouse, with a modern twist. Equipped with open plan design and elegant fixtures, the space gives guests a shabby chic aesthetic and cozy feel. Outside, picnic tables can be found, where tastings are often conducted by the winemaker Michael himself, and can be elevated by the addition of charcuterie and cheese for a surcharge of $5. The estate is simple, yet elegant and would be a beautiful destination for a wedding or event.
When tasting at Amador Cellars, it becomes very quickly apparent that Zinfandel is the star of the show. “We believe Zinfandel is the ultimate grape in the region,” Winemaker Michael Long states as he describes the seven different Zinfandel clones they produce from the 100% estate fruit. “I don’t want a wine that is so soft that it lacks in texture, I like acidity and I like tannin, but you have to find a happy medium” says Long, and it shows in the wines! All of Amador Cellars wines were expressed in a generally traditional style, with bold flavors, and a healthy dose of alcohol by volume, these wines are small productions and purely Zinfandel.
Wines:
2017 Amador Cellars Winery, “Native” Zinfandel, Shenandoah Valley | 14.9% ABV, $36 | 75 cases
Winner of, “Best Zinfandel” at the 2020 Amador County Fair, and showcases small bin fermented grapes with native yeast fermentation and zero new oak. This wine is big and bold with bright red fruit. These wines are age worthy, drink now through 2030. Suggested Pair: Classic BBQ chicken with Local Amador County honey BBQ sauce
2018 Amador Cellars Winery, “Native” Zinfandel, Shenandoah Valley | 14.9% ABV, $36 | 75 cases
The 2018 Native is winemaker Michael’s personal favorite, and showcases unique nuances for the variety as the reaction of this wine is usually met with “ooos” and “aahs” by tasters. Pretty floral flavors like, lilac and Mexican violet flavored chewing gum creates a flirtatious feel on the bouquet while blue and black fruit notes lift the palate and finish with lingering cocoa and vanilla notes. Suggested Pair: Rosemary infused toasted sourdough BLT
2017 “The Estate” Zinfandel, Shenandoah Valley | 16% ABV, $30 | 200 cases
Red fruit forward flavors with, a touch of new oak. Bright acidity, bold fruit, with baking spice, this high intensity wine is layered and complex. 2017 was an unusually hot and dry year reflected in the ABV, yet not overwhelming. This Zinfandel is made to express the purity of the fruit without the addition of water which is a typical practice for most wineries in the area during climatically hot years. This wine composes several high intensities favors that have potential for aging 5-10 years. Suggested Pair: Grilled Rib Eye with Reduced Zinfandel Mushroom Sauce
(https://www.zinfandelic.com/food-wine/grilled-steak-zinfandel-mushroom-sauce.php)
2015 Family Reserve, Shenandoah Valley | 15.8% AVB $45 | 200 cases
Rich fruit forward notes of overripe strawberry and fig coupled with undertones of warmed caramel, butterscotch and cocoa, this wine is the most sensual of the line-up. Both new and old oak lend spice notes to this wine allowing for an indulgent tasting experience. Suggested Pair: BBQ Deaver Ranch Lamb Chop Chimichurri Sauce