Zinfandel

Banti Vineyard

Alexander Valley

Tasting Notes

Deep, rich flavors are balanced with good acidity in this lush and layered Zinfandel. Red fruit aromas with a slightly floral note introduce mouth-filling flavors of Bing cherry, blueberry, dark fudge, and currant before a long and smooth 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 Banti Vineyard in Alexander Valley was planted with Zinfandel in the late 1950s by Art Banti and his father Frank. Today the property is cared for by Art and his wife Sara, carrying on a family tradition of farming that started with Art’s grandparents who came from Italy in the 1900s. Once planted with apples, prunes, and hops, this historic valley, located just north of Healdsburg, is now home to many vineyards that flourish in the warm summer months

Winemaker Notes

The grapes undergo a cold soak before fermentation to extract optimal color and aroma. After primary fermentation, the wine is pumped into French oak barrels, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, followed by 16 months of aging.