Old Vines, Zinfandel

Bacchi Vineyard

Russian River Valley

Tasting Notes

A savory Old Vines Zinfandel exhibiting bright notes of pomegranate and hibiscus behind a refreshing bouquet of mint and vanilla. The Eucalyptus groves that border this centuries-old vineyard impart a uniquely herbaceous nose to the wine. The bright acidity in the finish exudes lively flavors of fresh blueberry, raspberry and a hint of citrus zest.

Vintage Notes

We began our 2019 harvest before dawn on August 30. After a growing season that started in winter with record rainfall, the year ended with warm, even temperatures throughout summer. With few spikes in heat over the period, our vineyards had optimal conditions to develop full-flavored fruit with remarkable color and balanced acidity. Spring rains ended in time for good fruit set. The temperate summer allowed for long hang times and consistent, even ripening. We picked the majority of our fruit in September and the weather continued to cooperate. Warm breezy days, but fortunately no rain took place in October and the last of the grapes were harvested before the end of the month.

Vineyard Notes

This vineyard is picked & fermented by its two distinct blocks: the “House Block” (37%) which has smaller yields & more mixed varieties producing a dark dense wine. The other block, known as the “Hill block” (62%), is almost exclusively Zinfandel & makes a wine much brighter in fruit and spicier aromatics.

Winemaker Notes

The grapes undergo a five-day cold soak before fermentation to extract optimal color and aroma. After primary fermentation, the wine is pumped into French oak barrels, 30% new, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, followed by 18 months of aging.