Violet's Paradise Wines
2023 Violet's Paradise, Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, Moon Mountain District AVA, Sonoma County, California
An enticing array of flower, herb, and baked cherry aromas swirl on the nose of this Zinfandel. The palate is richly tannic, with flavors of cranberry, spiced plum compote, violets, chopped herbs, and pithy orange lingering through the finish. Yummy now, this will improve with a few years in the cellar. — Tom R. Capo Wine Enthusiast
100% Zinfandel
"Brenae’s name has long been tied to Monte Rosso Vineyard—where she spent over a decade helping shape one of Sonoma’s most iconic vineyard sites. She made history as the first Black woman to manage a vineyard of that scale in California. But this return was different. It wasn’t as an employee. It was as a winemaker. A founder. A steward of legacy. The Violet’s Paradise wines come from the very same vineyard—now farmed 100% organically under her guidance—with a regenerative mindset and a long-term vision. This isn’t just wine. It’s a statement. It’s a love letter. It’s a calling."- wineswithpaige
The 2023 Monte Rosso Zinfandel from Violet's Paradise is a vivid, mountain-grown expression that honors the vineyard's heritage and volcanic pedigree. The 2023 growing season in Sonoma was marked by one of the coolest and wettest starts in over a decade. Heavy winter rainfall replenished long-depleted soil moisture and delayed bud break by several weeks. Spring remained cool, leading to slow canopy growth and careful shoot thinning to balance the later set. These conditions ultimately created a compressed but highly expressive harvest window.
At Monte Rosso, the vineyard's position above the fog line allowed for ample sunlight and consistent airflow, promoting healthy ripening despite the delayed start. The extended hang time and mild daytime temperatures helped preserve acidity and promote layered flavor development, especially crucial for Zinfandel, a variety known for its uneven ripening. The resulting wine showcases both site and season: vibrant and fruit-forward, yet remarkably structured and mineral-driven, capturing the essence of Monte Rosso's rugged terrain and the elegance of a cool vintage.
Hand-sorted grapes, stemless fermentation, aged 10 months in neutral and French oak barrels.
98- Keith Beavers, VinePair / 90- Tim Fish, Wine Spectator Magazine
Brenae Royal founded Violet's Paradise Wines in 2024 after working for a decade in the Northern California vines. Her debut as a producer of her own brand is a stunning collection made with her ethos that wine begins with the soil. Royal's work as a rising star is featured in Wine Enthusiast's '40 Under 40,' The San Francisco Chronicle, VinePair, Wine Spectator, The Press Democrat, and Star Wine List.
Marc Gagnon is the winemaker for Violet's Paradise and trusted collaborator with founder Brenae Royal. An acclaimed winemaker, his career is marked by numerous 100-point wines. He serves as the Director of Winemaking for Caldwell Vineyard, where he blends artistry and science to craft exceptional wines. Previously, Gagnon held such prestigious roles as Head Winemaker at Bryant Family Vineyard and Assistant Winemaker at Screaming Eagle. Renowned critic Antonio Galloni praised Gagnon, calling him "utterly brilliant." He also oversees winemaking strategy and production across a global portfolio.