Winemaker's Notes
2021 Scherrer Vineyard ‘Old & Mature Vines’ Zinfandel Futures
The growing season started out very dry, with rainfall essentially ending in April. It made for much easier soil cultivation work but we were a bit concerned about the vines making it through the season, especially the hundred year-plus old Zinfandel vines that don’t have any supplemental irrigation. However, due to the soil type and the rootstock’s tendency to explore the soil profile very deeply, these old vines made it just fine. And the remaining mature vines that do have supplemental drip irrigation available were grateful for a little help too. This is especially welcome to the vines after harvest when there is a flush of root growth and reserves for the next Spring are built up if there is sufficient soil moisture.
While I will fine-tune the blend if needed before bottling, the current iteration is much like the 2018 vintage with a tad more generosity. There is plenty of non-fruit to balance the fruit and good, deep, resolved tannic structure, though. Red plums, black raspberry, hibiscus tea, hints of rose hips and pie crust lead the aromas. It evenly engages the mouth, immediately initiating salivation and anticipation of another glass or another bite of food. The hibiscus and raspberry hide a serious dose of minerality that leaps out like from a Trojan Horse at night. In this case, the surprise is very welcome.
At harvest, I racked a part of our Zinfandel from pressing tank to barrel using a 25 year old Costco generator when the late October storm brought flooding and power outages. It is important to prepare for the unknown where possible even if on a tiny budget. Only about 500 cases will be produced. Estimated release price: $42 per bottle. Futures price: $310 per case to be released April 2023.