Winemaker's Notes
This has been a relatively generous vintage from the beginning of its life in barrel. While it is unmistakably in our rather elegant [delicate] style, it has always had this intensity of fruit that makes one want to drink it in its primary stages. What I like about this kind of vintage is that you can enjoy it fairly early on, as well as later, where its balance between substance and delicacy will support a long life.
I think of this as a multi-berry tart. Blackberry, raspberry and cherry notes play tag with the toasty/spicy/loamy counterpoint at this stage. Those of you who came to the August barrel tasting of this when offered on futures know what I’m talking about, others like this as well: ‘Tasted from barrel, the 2013 Zinfandel Old & Mature Vines Scherrer Vineyard is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Layers of dark blue and black fruit, smoke, tobacco, incense and licorice flesh out as the 2013 shows off its exuberance and power. Hints of lavender, cocoa and leather add the final notes of complexity. Today, the 2013 is super-expressive. (92-94 Points) Antonio Galloni [February 2015]
2013 was also a somewhat more generous vintage quantity-wise so fortunately it is possible to have enough bottles to enjoy at all stages of development without compromise. Folks who have been doing the futures program with us attest to the value of having enough of a wine to develop a relationship over time.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – February 2015
Tasted from barrel, the 2013 Zinfandel Old & Mature Vines Scherrer Vineyard is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Layers of dark blue and black fruit, smoke, tobacco, incense and licorice flesh out as the 2013 shows off its exuberance and power. Hints of lavender, cocoa and leather add the final notes of complexity. Today, the 2013 is super-expressive. (92-94 Points) Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – April 2015
Medium ruby; attractive, forward, briary, spicy, raspberry and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of dill, dark chocolate, and black pepper; medium full body; deep, rich, intense, briary, berry fruit flavors with firm acidity, a hint of mocha, and well integrated oak; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Easy and enjoyable to drink now. Very highly recommended. 91 points. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – February 2016
The Zinfandel Old & Mature Vines Scherrer Vineyard is once again one of Fred Scherrer’s most distinctive wines in 2013. A wine of real character and personality, the 2013 is endowed with superb depth. Leather, smoke, spice, dried herb and tobacco add an attractive savory element. 93 Points. Antonio Galloni
Judi Scherrer –
Wine Spectator – June 2016
Bright, briary cherry and dill aromas lead to layered, zesty flavors of tart plum, smoky sweet anise and cracked pepper. Drink now through 2022. 90 Points. Tim Fish
Judi Scherrer –
The Wine Advocate – October 2016
From a vineyard planted in 1912, with subsequent plantings in the 1970′ and 1980’s, the 2013 Zinfandel Old & Mature Vines was aged totally in French oak. A juicy, outrageously delicious Zinfandel, with full-bodied terrific black raspberry and black cherry fruit, pepper, earth and underbrush. Its opulence and lusciousness are pure hedonism at its best. Moreover, the alcohol is relatively tame by Zinfandel standards these days coming in at 14.5%. This should drink nicely for another 7-8 years. 93 Points. Robert Parker