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Gold Medal | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019
Best of Class | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019
Best of Show-Red | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019
Best of Sonoma County | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019
Best of the Best | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019

Tasting Notes

This old-vine Zinfandel begins with lavish aromatics of red raspberry, sweet tobacco, and warm spice that combine with sweet and savory flavors of bright red fruits, boysenberry galette, tea leaf, and Mexican chocolate bar for a bold yet balanced wine. Concentrated with a focused texture, it has a long and spicy finish.

Vintage Notes

Harvest in 2016 started in the middle of August during a pattern of warm sunny days cooled by foggy mornings and breezy afternoons for most of the area. The early months of the year were very mild with little rain allowing the vines to progress steadily and uneventfully. Yields throughout the region were slightly below average but moderate weather starting in early summer gave the fruit plenty of time to develop great color and flavor, resulting in beautifully balanced wines.

Vineyard Notes

Translated literally, Tres Viejo means “three old men.” At St. Francis, we use it to describe some of our exceptionally old, head-trained Zinfandel vines. Each year Winemaker Katie Madigan chooses fruit from three distinct regions across Sonoma County for a special blend in honor of these distinctive vines. The Russian River Valley fruit has bright, fresh acidity. The Sonoma Valley fruit is both dark and intensely flavored. The Zinfandel from Alexander Valley is intense and concentrated with wild berry flavors. All vines are over 60 years old and are expressive of their growing regions.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Katie Madigan ferments each lot independently in order to allow their unique characteristics to shine. She wants this wine to showcase the heritage of Sonoma County Zinfandel. After 16 months of aging in French oak barrels, 40% new, this proprietary blend is finalized, reflecting the best of the vintage.