Old Vine Mendocino Zinfandel is a treasure. Grown on the benchlands and slopes of mountainsides — this 65+ year old vine Zinfandel was named for these wild- looking vines and also for the uninoculated, or “wild,” yeast ferment that was used to create it. It takes a lot of effort to tame this wild fruit, but it is worth all the trouble. Wild Thing is dangerously good! Remember – you are what you drink ….

Winemaker Notes:

Aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and raspberry fruit combine with a hint of cigar box, and vanilla-oak baking spice loveliness. Smoothly textured in mouth, and the palate is very creamy and round, with a finish that is long with lush jammy fruit.

From the cellar:  As usual, our Wild Thing Zinfandel went through fermentation uninoculated, relying on a healthy WILD yeast population from the organic vineyard to create a terroir-driven complexity of aroma and flavors. Our wild fermentation started after a 3-5 day cold soak and was followed by a 30-day maceration. The must was déléstaged (pronounced 'del-ess-TAHJd) two times prior to the wine reaching 12°Brix. That is the fancy, French term for a rack and return—a process that aerates the wine, helps to maintain a healthy yeast population, and builds mouthfeel volume with gentle extraction from the skins.

Harvest Date:

September 10 and 16-27, 2021

Average TA/pH at Harvest:

0.60 TA/3.55 pH

Cellar Storage/Aging:

12 months in oak barrels. 10% new and 1-yr-old American, 90% 2-yr-old and older (10% French and 90% American).

Varietal:

86% Old Vine Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, 5% old vine Carignane *** Sustainably Farmed and Organically Grown

Appellation:

76% Mendocino County, 20% Sonoma County, 4% Contra Costa Co.

Release Date:

1/5/24