2019 BACA "Tug O' War" Maffei Vineyard Zinfandel Russian River Valley

Winemaker Notes:  Tucked into an area filled with historic California vineyards, stoic old vines planted in 1929 and 1949 struggle in marginal, loamy soils resulting in wines with profound depth, nuance and serious aging potential. Moderate daytime temperatures create rich wine characterized by pure, explosive, ripe berry flavors tempered by cool marine foggy nights that impart a nerve of acidity. Farmed by the granddaughter of the founding Italian family, Joanne Maffei is very hands-on. You’ll always find her in working in the vineyard and her cheerful approach to caring for the land makes everyone feel like part of family.

When we set out to create BACA, we had one mission in mind: to make luxury, craft Zinfandels that are nuanced, honest, and current. Wine for people like us: the curious, the adventuresome, the lovers of life, with a gleam in their eye and a penchant for the uncharted. BACA is Latin for berry, so that’s where we started. Bounding headlong into some of California’s most noted growing regions—Calistoga, Russian River, Rockpile, Howell Mountain, and Paso Robles—we sourced the most intriguing fruit for our wines. Grapes from gorgeously old vines and historic areas, which we transformed using masterful winemaking techniques into wines that reflect the unique places in which they’re grown. The result is 8 complex, charismatic Zinfandels, and a few other delectable curveballs. All of which pair beautifully well with both food and adventure.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wine Enthusiast - "Soft, sweet and densely layered, this wine offers strong flavors of cola, baked plum, blackberry and licorice. The oak is prominent and adds vanilla and baking spice, underscoring the overall richness in style."