90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Vineyard Vintage Notes:
Produced from the Harvey Vineyard, America’s oldest Zinfandel Vineyard documented as existing in 1869. "Vineyard 1869" was planted in the days when horses were used for cultivation. This ancient vineyard is non-irrigated, stand alone head pruned vines that fully express the Amador Zinfandel terroir. This is the taste of history for 139 years these ancient vines have plunged their roots through twenty-five feet of multiple soil types in search of water. The result is an elegant, complex, first-growth wine. Vineyard 1869's existence was noted in a deed from an 1869 U.S. Geological Survey, mak-ing it America's oldest documented Zinfandel vineyard. The immigrants who planted these vines chose them from hardy stock. In the 1890's the vines survived the nearly total destruction of California's vineyards by phylloxera. Due to moon-lit nights of unregulated distillation, Vineyard 1869 also survived Prohibition. It wasn't until 1984 when the vineyard was purchased by Scott Harvey, a German trained, California winemaker, that the vines were lovingly coaxed back into producing small yields of high quality, first growth Zinfandel. It is now coveted for producing California's premier Old Vine Zinfandel.
Tasting Notes:
Briary varietal Zinfandel. Deep raspberry, allspice, cloves and cinnamon, balanced with a fleshy center and hints of coffee, leather and bright currants. Old Vine complexity and first growth quality.
Vineyard Source: 139 year old vines known as "Vineyard 1869"
Vintage: 2007
Appellation: Amador County
pH: 3.5
Dry Cooperage: 24 months French Oak
Release Date: 12-1-2009
Cases Produced: 663
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.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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
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.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet 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. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous 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.
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