Sonoma County Old Vines Zinfandel 2023
Trade Tools
America / Sonoma County
The grapes in “Old Vines” Zinfandel come from vineyards in Sonoma, Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley. Planted 50-100+ years ago, many of these vines are planted on St. George rootstock and are head-pruned and dry-farmed, producing low yields of fruit with concentrated flavors and aromas. The grapes cold-soak for 3 days to extract optimal color and flavor. The fruit is inoculated with many different yeast strains to build complexity, then fermented in separate lots using pump overs and delestage to soften tannins. Secondary malolactic fermentation occurs in French oak barrels.The wine ages in barrel for 20 months before final blending and bottling.
Harvest Note
Cooler temperatures and an abundance of spring rains in 2023 pushed back the first day of harvest to the beginning of September. The later start and extra ripening time for the fruit allowed flavors and color to develop slowly for depth and concentration. Warm fall days spread out harvest to the end of October for many of the red varieties, with a final pick of Merlot delivered to the winery on November 2.
Tasting Note
Vibrant and tempting, this wine shows off rich aromas of blackberry, blueberry and warm spices layered with flavors of black raspberry, cherry pie, dried fig and graham cracker. A touch of acidity accents the spicy notes of cinnamon, clove and white pepper that emergeon the finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Sirah, 4% Mixed Black Grapes
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.50%
AGING: French Oak, 25% New
Unique Selling Points
- Vineyards in Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley
- Dry-farmed, producing low yields with highly concentrated, intense flavors and aromas
- A classic old vines Zinfandel—fruit comes from 50- to 100-year-old vines
"This Zinfandel showcases the rich fruit flavors and spicy finish that come from the historic old vines grown throughout our region."
Katie Madigan, Winemaker
About the Grape
Zinfandel
Zinfandel shows ripe, sweet aromas and flavors of black fruits (plums, raisins, dates), with pepper, spice and chocolate notes.
