2022 Russian River Valley "Saitone Vineyard" Zinfandel
99% Zinfandel
1% Carignan
Planted in the 1890s, Saitone is the granddaddy of old-vine vineyards located in the Piner-Olivet area of the Russian River Valley. Picked the night of September 8th (technically, it was 1 AM on the 9th), 4.2 tons were fully destemmed and cold soaked for five days before inoculation for fermentation. After 21 days on the skins, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 14% new. The wine sat on its lees in barrel until being racked for bottling 17 months later. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark ruby-garnet. On the nose, heavenly scents of red and black raspberry, sweet tobacco, blood orange, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Everything you could want from an old-vine Piner-Olivet Zinfandel. The wine enters medium-full to full bodied with flavors of red and black raspberry and blood orange. Finishes long, juicy, and succulent with mouthwatering acidity. This is enjoyable now but will also age well. Drink this old-vine beauty from release through 2034. (MRO - 07/18/24)