2020 Old Vines Zinfandel, Giovanetti Vineyard, Russian River Valley • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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2020

Old Vines, Zinfandel

Giovanetti Vineyard

Russian River Valley

Tasting Notes

A deep ruby red wine with a garnet rim, this Zinfandel is a sight to behold. The wine’s delicate aromas of cherry, vanilla, and spice waft from the glass like a gentle breeze. The full-bodied palate is a feast for the senses, with bright berry flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry. Spicy notes of black pepper add complexity, while a savory acidity balances the playful finish.

Vintage Notes

The 2020 growing season enjoyed near-perfect growing conditions. With minimal rain this winter, the vines were awakened with ideal moderate springtime temperatures, which eliminated any frost threat to the developing buds. At most sites, fruit set was during the optimal timeframe due to warm, consistent conditions. Veraison occurred 7-10 days earlier than in previous years due to the temperate weather and minimal rain. Moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights throughout the summer months, with a few of the normal short-lived heat spikes, allowed for excellent flavor development. The year saw an early harvest, with 90% of the region’s grapes being picked before the late Fall.

Vineyard Notes

The historic Giovanetti Vineyard produces one of our most beloved old-vines 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 begins to extract optimal color and flavor. After primary fermentation, the wine is pumped into French oak barrels, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation during its elevage.