Sonoma County Old Vines Zinfandel 2017
Trade Tools
America / Sonoma County
There are strict criteria in the vineyard for fruit to qualify as old vines Zinfandel. The vines must be at least 50 years old (many are as old as 100) and they must be dry farmed and head trained without the benefit of trellising. These ancient, head-pruned vines tend to produce small quantities of exceptionally concentrated fruit. The grapes are handpicked, crushed and then fermented in stainless steel tanks. After pressing, the wine is pumped into French and American oak barrels for aging, with additional bottle aging before release.
0 Medal
2017 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2017 growing season started out wet with record-breaking rainfall refreshing the vineyards after several dry years. The mild spring led to timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by ideal conditions of cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer months. The first grapes of the season were "blessed" on August 25th, officially beginning the St. Francis harvest. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks throughtout the month meant the majority of fruit was in by the first week of October. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics and outstanding flavor are all evident in this years vintage.
Tasting Note
This bright, lively wine showcases an abundance of berry flavors and aromas. Red raspberry,wild blackberry and a touch of cranberry are balanced with spicy notes of anise and cinnamon. This medium bodied Zinfandel lingers for a long, smooth finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 81% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 5% Mixed Blacks
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 15.2%
AGING: 16 Months, 100% French Oak
Unique Selling Points
- A classic old vines Zinfandel—fruit comes from 50- to 100-year-old vines
- Matured for 16 months in oak barrels for a complex flavor
“With its classic combination of ripe fruit and spice, this wine is a tribute to old vine Zinfandel.”
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.
