Old Vines, Zinfandel

Giovanetti Vineyard

Russian River Valley

Tasting Notes

This Old Vines Zinfandel reflects its cool climate growing conditions with a juicy freshness and touch of salinity. Aromas of ripe strawberry and a hint of spice lead to flavors of raspberry, red currant, and cracked white pepper before the smooth, creamy finish.

Vintage Notes

2015 brought an early and light harvest that began on August 10, the earliest date in St. Francis’ history. The year started out very warm and dry but then cool, damp weather in May hampered fruit set. Though the result was smaller, looser clusters on the vine, the warm and consistent summer that followed produced high-quality fruit with exceptional aromatics and concentrated flavors.

Vineyard Notes

The historic Giovanetti Vineyard produces one of our most beloved old-vine Zinfandels. Located in the heart of Russian River Valley near Woolsey Road, this small, family-run, 8-acre vineyard was originally planted in Carignane in the late 1800s but was grafted over to Zinfandel and mixed blacks by the Giovanetti family in 1910. Today the vineyard is owned and operated by Phyllis Giovanetti who, at over 80 years old, still does a bit of pruning and oversees a vegetable garden and orchard.

Winemaker Notes

The grapes are hand-sorted and undergo a five-day cold soak before fermentation to extract optimal color and flavor After primary fermentation, the wine is pumped into 100% French oak barrels, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, followed by 14 months of aging before bottling.