2016 Russian River Valley "Limerick Lane Vineyard" Zinfandel
98% Zinfandel
2% Mixed Black Varieties (Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Trousseau)
Owned by my dear friend and all-around great guy Jake Bilbro, this vineyard planted in 1910 was on pace for a pick date nearly as early as 2015. But with the late August cool-down, we were able to buy a couple extra weeks of hang-time without the expense of sugar and picked September 2nd. Cold soaked for five days, the wine was pressed on September 17th to all once and twice-used French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium ruby-garnet. An explosive and sexy nose of red cherry liqueur, blood orange, white chocolate, and vanilla. Something about this wine makes me think of Valentine’s Day! The wine enters full and rich with flavors of blood orange and raspberry leading the charge. Finishes quite long with very fine tannin. A wine of both power and grace. Enjoy this lip-smacking bad boy from release through 2026. (MRO – 01/18/18)