Old Vines, Zinfandel

Anacleto Vineyard

Russian River Valley

93 points | Wine Spectator

Tasting Notes

This Old Vines Zinfandel captivates with aromas of mixed berry pie, chocolate-covered cherries, and caramel, intertwined with ripe red and black fruits like raspberry, blackberry, and cherry. The palate features velvety tannins and vibrant cranberry notes, balanced by lively acidity. A long, spicy finish with hints of jammy dark plum, anise, and subtle sarsaparilla adds complexity, making for a richly satisfying experience.

Vintage Notes

The 2021 growing season saw near-perfect growing conditions. With minimal winter rain, the vines were awakened with ideal moderate springtime temperatures, eliminating 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 regular short-lived heat spikes, allowing 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

This small production wine starts with grapes just a short walk south of Healdsburg, near the banks of the Russian River. This select 2-acre block of heritage Zinfandel vines consisting of two main blocks, a 50-year-old ‘Trellised’ block and a 100-year-old ‘Head-Pruned’ block that produces small yields of exceptional fruit bursting with ripe, concentrated flavor. The blend of this 2021 vintage is made up of 37% from the older head-pruned block and 62% from the trellised block.

Winemaker Notes

All grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, and undergo a five-day cold soak 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 before bottling.