Ken Deis & Derek Rohlffs
USA
Two of your favorite winemakers join forces in the Angel-funded winery
- This is a perfect example of the interaction and camaraderie at your customer-funded winery in Sonoma. These winemakers were working on two separate zins until they tasted each other's wines and couldn't resist a little blending session.
- Ken Deis and Derek Rohlffs make excellent wines independently and when their powers combine, they are an unstoppable force of nature.
- This is the first time we've had a winemaker collaboration on this scale so let us know how you like it -- should we encourage your winemakers to play together more often?
Ken Deis & Derek Rohlffs's Story
Ken & Derek .'s Story
This is the kind of collaboration that could only happen in the Angel-funded winery in Kenwood, Sonoma Valley.
Normally, winemakers can get a little competitive when they have to share a winery and they're fighting for sales to the same buyer -- but Angel funding means these winemakers can relax and focus on making great wine instead of turning everything into a competition.
Ken and Derek were each making a Zinfandel in 2012. They quickly realized they were working with the same grape grower and were naturally curious about how differently their wines would turn out. Throughout fermentation, they had opportunities to taste each other's wines at the Angel-funded winery. And then this funny idea started to set in
Ken would think "Actually, I wouldn't mind blending a bit of Derek's Zin with mine to get some more balance." And at the same time, Derek started thinking "I could do with a bit of Ken's Zin in my final blend." Well, that's a match made in heaven. When the two winemakers approached us about combining their wines, we jumped at the opportunity.
This is the first such collaboration and illustrates the amazing environment your winemakers work in at the Sonoma Valley winery.
Ken Deis & Derek's Archangels
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Wine has become a hobby for me. I enjoy trying new wines and am constantly learning. A perfect night for me is sitting home with family, enjoying a nice dinner, a game of cards, and few bottles of good wine!
Ken Deis & Derek's Activity
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Good evening, Angels!
Ken and I are excited to share the release of our 2017 vintage of Crowdpleazin Zinfandel, a collaboration that now spans the better part of the past decade. Or as some of our friends put it: "Superstar Sonoma Zinfandel from 2 of your favorite Angel winemakers!"
This delicious Zinfandel has always been made from grapes grown in the heart of California's renowned Dry Creek Valley. This world-class vineyard allows us to craft a ripe and generous Zin that is loaded with rich flavors including cherries, berries, plums and super-smooth dark chocolate, with serious spice notes on the finish.
This wine has been pleasing our crowd of Angels for years and Ken and I really appreciate your support of our winemaking!
Here's to you...enjoy!
Derek
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(latest reply 6 years ago)
Now that we've harvested all of our Zinfandel, I'd like to send a harvest shout out to my friend and winemaking partner Ken Deis, the King of Cab, Master of Merlot, and Minister of Zin. Ken is also known as the Mayor of Kenwood [where the winery is located] as he always has a smile and nice word for all of his fellow winemakers, cellar crew, and Angels, of course! Here's to you, Ken! Derek
Hi Angels!
Ken and I visited the Zinfandel vineyard that has served as the source of our Crowdpleazin for the past 5 years. This vineyard is located in the westernmost reaches of renowned Dry Creek Valley. It's where Ken and I met and where we spend a lot of time in the late Summer and early Autumn.
You can tell that we're both happy with the fruit set and are just waiting on veraison to start soon. Hope the weather continues to cooperate.
And a heartfelt note of thanks to the firefighters who continue to vigilantly protect Northern California.
Derek
Hi Angels! With the fires in our area mercifully starting to be contained, I had a chance to open a bottle of our Ken and Derek 2016 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, which is now in stock and available for a limited time, as there's precious little produced. I raised my glass to my winemaking buddy Ken, whose birthday is today. Happy Birthday Ken! And a big toast to the firefighters and first responders...true heroes one and all. Derek
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(latest reply 7 years ago)
Hi Angels,
Today I tasted my 99 Barrels Red Wine 2014, a blend of 6 of my favorite varietals and vineyards, and I was very pleased with how this wine turned out.
Actually, saying I am pleased is a bit of an understatement...I was blown away by the pure fruit and spicy complexity that this wine possesses. So happy with how my final blend came together.
My tasting notes:
"With a bit of air / decanting, enticing mocha and dark fruit aromas emerge. Flavors include black cherries, cola, ripe plums, cocoa, and wild berries, with intricate coffee, mocha, espresso, and caramel notes in the background. The entry is expansive with subdued acidity and tannins that are soft and luscious. Finishes with a hint of exotic spice and a lingering sweet oak character. Delicious. Drinking great now and will improve for the next two to three years, at a minimum."
Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to make distinctive wines for you! I feel very lucky and fortunate to do so.
Derek
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(latest reply 8 years ago)
Hi Angels! Me and Ken are excited to share a nifty video that NakedWines.com shot during last harvest that tells the STORY behind our Ken and Derek Crowdpleazin Zinfandel! It starts with us disrobing - I promise it's Rated PG! - and stomping grapes with our feet and, thankfully, goes uphill from there. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS2HAQnLDGs Ken and Derek Zinfandel Sonoma Valley 2013
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(latest reply 8 years ago)
Very smooth with soft tannins. Dark cherry flavors. Went well with grilled marinated chicken breasts. Definitely a winter comfort wine
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(latest reply 3 months ago)
I opened it on Saturday and drank nearly the entire bottle on Sunday. Zinfandel is not my favorite red, but this is probably my favorite Zinfandel and I'd buy it again.
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(latest reply 3 months ago)
I waited two years like your site suggested to make it the perfect age. We finally tried it and neither my husband or I like it. We were very disappointed. It has a strong taste that hits at the end of a sip that turned us off. I usually live their wines! I'm surprised.
