Chuy Ordaz grew up in Michoacan, Mexico, and arrived in Sonoma Valley at age 20. He went right to work in vineyards, and his affinity for knowing what grapevines need in the way of care led him to found Palo Alto Vineyard Management in Kenwood. Ordaz farms for multiple clients, as well as for his own wine label, Ordaz Family Wines. His son, University of Santa Clara-educated Epifanio (“Eppie”) Ordaz, is the winemaker who transformed Zinfandel grapes grown in the 50-year-old Montecillo Vineyard into this dazzling Zin. With supple tannins and lip-smacking red, black and blue fruit, this subtly spicy, modestly oaked wine is versatile with a wide range of dishes. It’s as balanced and stylish as Sonoma Valley Zinfandel gets, yet also sports textbook varietal character of flamboyant juiciness.
Ordaz Family Winery, Sonoma Valley (California) Zinfandel 2012
By Linda Murphy