Florez Wines "Ember Eyes" Zinfandel 2023
We have 10 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
The 2023 "Ember Eyes" Zinfandel is rooted in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where old-vine Zinfandel thrives in rugged, well-drained soils. Farmed organically and with a focus on dry-farming practices, the vineyard captures the essence of Northern California’s warm days and cool nights, allowing the fruit to ripen fully while retaining freshness. This balance of concentration and vibrancy is the hallmark of the region and a cornerstone of Florez Wines’ commitment to sustainable viticulture.
The Wine
“Ember Eyes” is a Zinfandel reimagined, offering a fresh, refined take on the varietal. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in neutral French oak, this wine eschews the heavy, jammy stereotype in favor of energy and elegance. Aromas of blackberry compote, wild strawberry, and a hint of black tea intertwine with flavors of ripe plum, cracked pepper, and dried herbs. Its silky tannins and lifted acidity keep the palate lively, while a touch of earthiness grounds the wine in its natural origins. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with only minimal sulfur, it’s a pure and unadulterated expression of the grape.
The People
James Jelks, founder and winemaker of Florez Wines, brings a decade of international winemaking experience back to his Santa Cruz roots. With a philosophy rooted in old-world traditions and minimal-intervention practices, James seeks to craft wines that are vibrant, honest, and connected to their terroir. The labels for Florez Wines, created by tattoo artist Drew Nelson, reflect the artistry and individuality behind every bottle—“Ember Eyes” included.
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
Weather shipping advisory: Orders placed during times of extreme heat or extreme cold will be held for no charge until more favorable weather returns.
California's Central Coast is a sprawling and diverse wine region stretching from south of San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara. This vast area encompasses a wide range of climates and terroirs, resulting in a remarkable diversity of wine styles. Monterey County, known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, benefits from the influence of the Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains, with their high elevation and proximity to the Pacific, produce elegant, cool-climate wines. Paso Robles, known for its warm days and cool nights, is renowned for its bold Zinfandel and Rhône-style blends. Santa Barbara, despite its southerly latitude, boasts surprisingly cool climates due to the unique east-west orientation of its valleys, which funnel cool ocean breezes inland, creating ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Central Coast's varied geography and range of climates contribute to its standing as a highly dynamic winemaking area.
California - Central Coast
Zinfandel, a red grape variety with a somewhat mysterious past, is most closely associated with California, where it has become a flagship grape. Genetically equivalent to Italy's Primitivo and Croatia's Crljenak Kaštelanski (and Tribidrag), Zinfandel's journey to California likely occurred in the mid-19th century. The grape thrives in California's warm climate, producing wines that range from sweet rosés (often labeled "White Zinfandel") to bold, full-bodied reds with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and peach yogurt, often accompanied by higher alcohol levels. Zinfandel's ability to reflect its terroir, along with its versatility in winemaking, has made it a beloved and iconic grape in the American wine landscape.
