Three Wine Company Old Vines Zinfandel 2017
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Three Zinfandel is a blend of 77% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignane, 2% Mataro, and 1% Alicante Bouschet. All the grapes in this blend come from vineyard blocks with extremely sandy-loam soils called Delhi loam. Sixty-five percent of this Zinfandel blend consists of 18 - 20 year old vines with the balance (35%) being well over 100 years old. These younger vine Zinfandel grapes show the typical raspberry to blackberry fruit so dominate in the older vines in the area, validating this Contra Costa appellation. The “field blend” contingent of this wine adds structure, color, cherry, and black fruit flavors. There is a deep concentration of ripe black cherries and spice with a minerality (earthy berry) sneaking through. The mouth-feel is rich and balanced with a lingering peppery finish. Enjoy now or age 3 to 7 years.
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2016-
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Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
A large Northern California appellation centered on the San Francisco Bay Area, the San Francisco Bay AVA falls within the larger Central Coast AVA. The smaller appellations of Livermore Valley, Pacheco Pass, San Ysidro District and Santa Clara Valley AVAs fall within the San Francisco Bay boundaries, and all produce high-quality Central Coast wines.