The Wine
Our Miljenko’s Old Vine Zinfandel has aromas of sweet cherry, plum, blood orange and rose hip jam. The wine tastes sweet and juicy with dense, warm tannins and spicy undertones of sage, rosemary, and pepper. The fresh acidity is framed by mixed red berry flavors of cherry, raspberry and cranberry leading to a long lasting spicy finish.
Vintage
Napa Valley experienced an above-average rainfall in the early months of 2019 with over 50 inches of rain in Rutherford. The residual moisture and colder than average soils led to a delayed start in budbreak. Spring and summer enjoyed moderate temperatures with no significant heat spikes until August. The harvest began in early September and finished the first week of November.
Vineyard
Miljenko “Mike” Grgich’s home in Calistoga overlooks our small vineyard where the few rows of ancient Zinfandel vines that produce this wine were planted more than 100 years ago on St. George rootstock. Its northeast exposure catches plenty of morning light but is shaded from the hot, late afternoon sun while the vineyard’s gravelly loam soil allows the extensive roots to reach deep. We farm all our vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture, and they are certified organic.
Winemaker's Notes
Alcohol
14.5%
Fermentation
indigenous yeast
Harvest date
October 15, 2019
Sugar
25.0 Brix average
Bottling date
March 2021
Release Date
November 2022
Total acid
5.9 g/L
pH
3.77
Blend
90% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah