Author: Judi Scherrer

I generally do not advocate immediate drinking upon receipt, but our experience with this wine’s travelling ability leads me to believe that if you were to immediately rip into the box on your front porch upon arrival, pulling the cork on the first bottle your hands meet, finally inverting the bottle directly into your mouth–bypassing the wine glass –it would not be a crime. Although it tastes great right now, I would expect this wine to continue to improve during its first year in bottle as it becomes accustomed to its new life in glass.

In last years’ mailing I described the history of my family’s Zinfandel vineyard, and the style of wine we are making from it. Last summer, we offered futures on the 1991 Zin and  the response was fantastic. The wine was bottled without filtration in November, 1992. In April, the wine was released and delivered to our futures customers, restaurants, and some wine shops. We really appreciate all the telephone calls & letters telling us how much everyone likes the wine. The most common question was: “are we going to do it again?” Yes.

We sold more wine than we had anticipated on our futures offering and we greatly appreciate everyone’s support and trust in us. It is difficult for a young couple to put together enough capital to do something worthwhile without the help of others. Between our parents, employers, coworkers, and customers, we have started to pursue one of my longtime dreams. We are quite lucky to have you. Thank you.

The wine I am making comes from about 3.3 acres of my grandfather’s Zinfandel planting of the 1910’s. Some petite Sirah, Petit Bouschet, and Alicante Bouschet vines have found their way into the old Zin block as replants over the past 80 years. I think this is as significant to the wine’s individuality as vine age. The wines are head‐trained and spur‐pruned in the 8’ by 8’ spacing popular in that era.