Gold Medal - 2015 Orange County Wine Society Competition
It is no secret that prohibition very nearly destroyed the wine industry in California. Vines in some areas took seventy or more years to recover to pre-prohibition levels. For this reason it is always exciting to drink gnarly head pruned Zinfandel from vineyards planted in those days.
Starr Road Vineyard originated in the year of 1920. One wonders what the original growers were thinking, planting just after alcohol had been banned, but whatever their plan, the result is that we have amazing wine coming from vines that are 100 years old.
This Old Vine Russian River Valley Zinfandel is deep ruby in color, with aromas of mixed berries, vanilla, cherry, and toasty oak on the nose. The palate is lush and ripe, with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, plum, and vanilla. There is just a hint of herb, or perhaps tobacco. Spicy, and with good acid to balance out the considerable richness and extraction. This wine pairs nicely with grilled meats, or even solo by the glass. Aged to perfection and ready to impress.
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vineyard: Starr Road Vineyard, planted in 1920
Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: 18 months, new and used America and French Oak.
Alcohol: 15.5%
Production: 450 Cases
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather.
