2023 Zinfandel

Shaw block, named after the original owner. These vines may be the oldest in the Valley and were planted in 1882. I’m always in awe of vines that have survived for over 100 years with all that nature has thrown at them. In 2023 I was offered a one-time deal to get fruit from some of these old vines and after walking through the vineyard and eating some of the grapes, I quicky took them up on the offer! The wine shows lots of black cherry fruit and while Zinfandel can lack color and structure, but here they shine! There is a density and depth of flavor about the wine as well and I think this might be related to the age of the vines.  These old timers were never irrigated for over one hundred years, and this leads to massive root systems, so they have access to water and essential nutrients. In addition, if this wasn’t a great place to grow Zinfandel they probably would have pulled them out many years ago! Enjoy with hearty meals over the next 4-5 years!