Winemaker's Notes
For those who are new to us, this is a quintessential expression of ‘old world style’ Zinfandel: Evocative sandalwood, roasted red beets, warm, hints of freshly picked plums and red delicious apples as though in a basket nearby, dark bramble fruits, mysterious hints of new-jacket leather all take their turn at center view like the mechanical horses, unicorns and other creatures on a rotating carousel. The red and black cherry aromas that showed so prominently last summer have evolved and merged with a violet perfume that comes and goes during this circular performance. The longer in the glass and contact with air, the more floral perfumes and roasted sweet beet facets dominate.
Last July said it seemed the 2019 Old & Mature Vines Zin was similar to the 2018, yet with more structure. This has actually become slightly more pronounced during barrel aging. Good, firm structure portends a long life in bottle. And while this is not harsh, it is muscular like a runner. In this case, it’s a marathon runner that will always thrill at the finish.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – May 2021
Medium to medium-dark ruby; attractive, fragrant, spicy, briary, dark cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of black pepper, clove, and cinnamon; full body; rich, ripe, red and dark berry fruit flavors with good depth and balance, and some pleasing richness in the mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Easy and enjoyable to drink now, though worthy of several more years of
bottle aging. Very highly recommended. My Score: 92/100 Nick Ponomareoff
Judi Scherrer –
Wine Spectator – March 2023
A seamless Zinfandel, elegant and sleek, with just enough old-school bramble to layer in personality. Boast black cherry, savory anise and white pepper flavors that build dimension and richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2030. 94 Points. Tim Fish
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – July 2021
The 2019 Zinfandel Old & Mature Vines Scherrer Vineyard is elegant, precise and wonderfully nuanced. Dried flowers, spice, cedar, tobacco and sweet dried cherry give the 2019 its undeniably racy, alluring personality. All the elements are so impeccably balanced. This is a fabulous showing. 94 points. Antonio Galloni