A dark ruby hue, the 2021 Zinfandel displays aromas of ripe dark cherry, boysenberry, plum, and bergamot with notes of garrigue and incense. Pure and focused on the attack, the wine has an expansive mid-palate that is plush with pleasurable dark fruits and finishes with an energetic lift and mineral complexity. 

The wine is drinkable and accessible today, but can be enjoyed over the next five years.

2021 was the second dry growing season in a sequence of historic drought years that began in 2020. Fortunately, our vineyards were on their fifth year of transition to dry farming, and the vines responded well to the drought conditions, achieving balanced growth and yielding a high-quality crop. This endurance was the result of the water deficit tolerance developed through dry farming in the previous years. We received 12 to 14 inches of total rain between Hamel Family Ranch and Nuns Canyon Vineyard — less than half of what we typically receive — with peak precipitation occurring in December 2020 and March 2021. After a cooler than average spring, the summer and the end of the season delivered normal warm and dry conditions. We began harvest with Sauvignon Blanc at Tres Palmas Vineyard on August 19th, and the harvest of the red grapes commenced on August 30th at Hamel Family Ranch and August 31st at Nuns Canyon Vineyard. Harvest was very compressed for the red varieties and ended on September 20th, marking the earliest finish to harvest we have on record.  With a smaller crop load reflecting the conditions of the 2021 season, we found the wines to be characterized by balanced fruit, tremendous natural intensity, and power. Despite the historic drought conditions, we were able to dry-farm 74% of our total vineyards through the season. 

• Blend: 78% Zinfandel, 11% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache
• Production: 674 Cases
• Appellation: Sonoma Valley
• Vineyard: 75% Hamel Family Ranch, 13% Nuns Canyon, 12% Armor Plate
• Harvest Dates: 8/30/21 – 9/10/21
• Fermentation: 89% Stainless Steel Tanks, 11% Neutral French Oak Vat
• Aging: 45% Once-used French Oak Casks and Vats, 32% Neutral French Oak Vats, 23% Concrete Eggs
• Bottling Date: 2/21/23
• Alcohol: 13.5%