2017 Saitone Vineyard Zinfandel

VINEYARD NOTES

One of the oldest remaining vineyards in the Olivet Rd region of the Russian River Valley, Saitone was planted in 1895 by Antonio Saitone. Located just under a mile from the DeLoach estate, the head pruned vines are farmed without trellising or irrigation and produce tiny, concentrated berries that can take until the end of October to fully ripen. Of the nearly 17 acres of old vines planted, Zinfandel and Alicante Bouschet are the most abundant while French Colombard, Petit Bouschet and Grand Noir can be found sprinkled among the various blocks. Typical of the time period in which the vineyard was planted, wines produced from the vineyard tend to largely be field blends comprised of a dominant varietal (usually Zinfandel) that is accompanied by smaller amounts of the various varietals that were picked simultaneously and co-fermented.

Of the nearly 17 acres of old vines planted, Zinfandel and Alicante Bouschet are the most abundant while French Colombard, Petit Bouschet and Grand Noir can be found sprinkled among the various blocks. Typical of the time period in which the vineyard was planted, wines produced from the vineyard tend to largely be field blends comprised of a dominant varietal (usually Zinfandel) that is accompanied by smaller amounts of the various varietals that were picked simultaneously and co-fermented.

WINEMAKER NOTES

The grapes were hand-harvested between September 14 and fermented in both closed and open-top vats using techniques that encourage the natural spice and fruit characteristics found in Zinfandel.

TASTING NOTES

Enticing aromas of raspberry and spice cake with hints of dust. Baked cherry and blackberry flavors are layered with notes of sweet oak. This is a bold and complex wine with a textured palate and balanced acidity and a touch of herbal notes on the finish.