Product Overview
Winemaker's Notes:
"The development of the Heritage Clone was initiated in 1982 to preserve the tradition and “heritage” of old Zinfandel vineyards. Cuttings from a pre-Prohibition era vineyard were grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock. Then, for several years we worked diligently to screen and propagate virus-free vines that would ultimately produce a crop. Finally, in 1997 the process concluded with a “young vine” wine with “old vine” Zinfandel characteristics, reminiscent of turn-of-the-century heirloom vines. Today, Heritage Vines Zinfandel represents the standard for delicious, well-balanced Zinfandel from Sonoma County.
The 2021 Heritage Vines Zinfandel is flavorful and wonderfully integrated. This vintage presents alluring aromatics of black cherry, boysenberry and plum with nuances of warm spices, mocha and white pepper. On the palate, brambly flavors of dark berries come forward. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by deeper notes of cedar, fine leather and dark brown sugar. From start to finish, this remarkable wine offers refreshing acidity paired with excellent structure."
Varietal Composition: 80% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 1% Carignane
Appellation: Sonoma County
Farming Practices: Sustainably farmed since 1972
Aging: 15 months in American, Hungarian, and French oak, 24% new
Winemaker: Tim Bell
91 Points, "Smart Buys" - Wine Spectator
"A briar patch in a bottle, this hearty red abounds with bold raspberry, roasted anise and smoky black pepper flavors that build tension and structure toward broad-shouldered tannins. Drink now through 2031. 19,892 cases made." -TF, 2/29/24
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Rich vanilla bean and cocoa aromas lead to opulent blackberry and black cherry flavors in this lavishly oaked, well-polished and moderately tannic wine. It will benefit from a few years' age to let the spicy oak notes mellow a bit. Best from 2025." -JG, 12/31/23
