2017 "Tres Viejos" Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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91 Points | Wine Spectator | Feb 2020
Gold Medal | SF Chronicle Wine Competition | Jan 2020

Tasting Notes

The wine leads with a deep, opulent nose of cassis-braised plum accented with hints of toasted cedar and nuances of spring herbs. The first sip introduces a boundless note of ripe berry and vanilla to the palate. The body maintains a lush texture through the middle as its spicier components sparkle in the bright acidity and silky tannins found in its polished satin-like finish.

Vintage Notes

The 2017 growing season started out wet with record-breaking rainfall. The mild spring led to a timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by ideal conditions of cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks meant the majority of the fruit was in by the first week of October. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics, and outstanding flavor are all evident in this year’s vintage.

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 Moon Mountain District fruit has bright, herbaceous 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 50 years old and are expressive of their growing regions.

Winemaker Notes

We ferment 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 18 months of aging in French oak barrels, 40% new, this proprietary blend is finalized, reflecting the best of the vintage.