At the north end of the hot Dry Creek Valley lies a dry-farmed, head-trained vineyard of Zinfandel of unknown clone type. Planted nearly 100 years ago, these goblet vines yield on average just two tons per acre. The concentrated flavors remain in balance with a broad and deep texture accentuated by the additon of Petite sirah from the same vineyard. Extended aging in French barrels for 17 months has tempered this wine and allowed a long maturation. This bottling marks the Grande Finale vintage of this vineyard, with these old, low-producing vines being replaced with new ones—a sad eventuality for old vineyards. A collector’s item, this bottle will be long-lived.
TASTING NOTES
This delivers on the old vine promise of both richness and levity. Baker’s chocolate, roast coffee, and tobacco weave together with rich blackberry and black cherry, rebounding with a bright thimbleberry finish. Salute this swansong as it goes down forever, sadly.
