This wine represents the labor of 3 generations of the Scherrer family. Fred makes this from “Old” vines in his family’s vineyard that his great grandfather planted in 1912, and from “Mature” vines that average 30 years of age. The vineyard is located just north of Napa in the Alexander Valley. This is a “classic” style of Zinfandel that is restrained, layered and elegant. Its bright acidity and complex fruit make it a great pairing with wood grilled meats and fish in assertive sauces. It’s a great example of what California Zin used to be.
The Old & Mature Vine Zinfandel was bottled without fining or filtration to capture the beauty and personality of the Scherrer Vineyard. Although enjoyable in its youth, it should age and develop gracefully for 5 to 10 years after the vintage.
All Fred’s Zinfandels are bottled without fining or filtration after about 16 months in the barrel with judiciously minimal SO2. While my goal is to allow at least one year in bottle before release to the restaurants and stores, my mailing list is offered the wines earlier on futures, but they are usually planning to age them themselves.
This Zinfandel has wonderful ripe raspberry qualities on the nose with great ripe fruits on the palate. Tucked behind the fantastic fruits is a layer reveal a touch of layered vanilla and other spice notes.
