100+ Year Old Vines!
Enjoy with rich Cheeses, fresh berries, Gourmet Pizzas, Pomegranate Chicken, seared Duck Breast with cherry sauce, Lamb Sliders, Baby Back Ribs.
VINEYARD
These 100+ year old ancient vines grow straight out of the rocky ground on the "bench" of the east Dry Creek Valley, our favorite terroir for Zinfandel in the Dry Creek Valley. In fact, these vines were hidden away under a thick patch of raspberry vines and weeds when John Louvau bought the property in the late '70s. It was only after he cleared the weeds to plant grapevines did he discover that he already had a small vineyard on the property: old, gnarled trunks of Zinfandel that were planted in the early 1900s. The vines are head-trained and are pruned so that they are quite low to the ground, resulting in tiny yields of concentrated fruit.
WINEMAKING
The vintage in 2022 produced a very reduced crop on these old vine grapes; barely one ton of grapes was harvested in the morning of September 9th. The wine fermented out dark and concentrated, with great structure and complexity. Hand-sorted to focus on only the best fruit. The fruit was fermented using only the natural yeast. At dryness, the wine was gently pressed in a membrane press and pumped to 60-gallon French oak barrels. Aged for 16 months to develop complexity without too much oak character to deter from the wine’s vibrancy.
Vintage: 2022
Varietals: 100% Zinfandel
Vineyard: Louvau Vineyard
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Time in oak: 16 months in French oak
Alcohol: 15.1%
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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