2013 Russian River Valley "Limerick Lane Vineyard" Zinfandel
98% Zinfandel
2% Mixed Black Varieties (Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Trousseau noir)
The Bilbro brothers, Jake and Scot, along with their viticulturist Steve Matthiasson, continue to dial in the farming on this venerable vineyard planted in 1910. Picked September 11th, this was an incredibly easy wine to make. No adjustments to the must were needed. No water. No acid. We didn’t even inoculate it for fermentation, relying instead on indigenous yeasts. After 18 days on the skins, it was pressed to all French oak, only 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium ruby-garnet with a prismatic luminescence. (I’ve always wanted to write that!) Beguiling aromas of cherries, spiced raspberries, and fresh tobacco leaf. In the mouth, medium to medium-full body with flavors of red currants, raspberries, and violets. Overall, a more feminine-styled Zinfandel displaying great harmony and elegance. Although enjoyable now, this wine should age well. Enjoy from late 2016 through 2023. (MRO – 07/18/15)