Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel 2021

This eight-acre vineyard was planted in the early 1800s, which makes it our oldest vineyard, and is located just south of our famed Jackass Hill Vineyard.  These old, head-pruned vines are farmed much the same way as they were a century ago; without the use of trellising, irrigation or pesticides. Common to this area, it has both Goldridge and Franciscan soil types.

2021 was the driest known year on record and was also the third year of drought conditions for Sonoma County. Contrary to these conditions, the summer was relatively cool and started two weeks later than the previous year. The drought conditions did bring ripeness to each of our varietals at just about the same time. By the end of the first week, we had 40% of total tonnage in the winery. This included Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel from both Fort Ross-Seaview and Russian River Valley. Despite being a very compact harvest, small clusters and berry size have yielded exceptional quality which makes 2021 a standout vintage.

APPELLATION

Russian River Valley

VARIETALS PLANTED

Zinfandel

SOIL INFORMATION

Franciscan, Goldridge

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

Fractured bed-rock, Clay Loam

ROOTSTOCK

St. George

YEAR ACQUIRED

1880

YEAR PLANTED

1883

Beautiful aromas of Bing cherry, nutmeg, and fresh nectarine fill your nose. Upon entry the wine is youthful with supple flavors of blueberries and back tea on the palate. Flavors of vanilla and barrel spice accompany the lengthy finish.