2020 Old Vine Zinfandel, Brignole Vineyard, Alexander Valley – Gold 94 pts.

Traditional-styled Zinfandel from the gnarly head-pruned blocks on our estate property. A fruit-driven wine with substantial structure underneath, it’s a welcome addition to a rustic meal. Our Brignole Vineyard was originally planted in 1908 by their family, who were members of the Asti Italian-Swiss Colony cooperative. The grapes are an old style field-blend of 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane, 4% Mataro and a 1% smattering of Alicante Boushet, Muscat Canelli and Golden Chasselas. In those days, growers didn’t sell the uncrushed grapes because they are perishable. They sold wine in barrels, blended for the specific taste of the customer. All old vine vineyards are field-blends, because the winegrower planted their own distinct blend of grape varieties to be harvested and fermented together. Every grapegrower was a winemaker, too, and thereby known for their signature wine blend. Our 2019 Old Vine Zinfandel perfectly represents this historical style of wine, with bright aromas of rip fruit and sweet spice. On the palate, flavors of blackcurrant, rhubarb and baking spices lead into an extended finish of subtle vanilla.

Posted by J. Rickards Winery

All Posts