Overview

Planted in 1916, this wine was grown in one of the finest Zinfandel vineyards in all of California; it is true "Old Vine" wine. The vineyard is owned and managed by fifth-generation Lodi native Kevin Soucie; the vines planted by his grandfather Edward.

This is a classic Lodi Zinfandel - bold, rich and complex. We note tastes of velvety Bing cherry and licorice accented with hints of smoke and mocha, plus dark favors of blackberries and cassis. The texture is soft and smooth, and the wine finishes with subtle notes of more chocolate and vanilla and a definite, yet hard to describe spice.

The 2014 growing season on Lodi was on an accelerated schedule. A mild winter and early spring meant bud break and flowering was, on average, about two weeks ahead of normal. A light crop resulted in smaller berries, and minimal rainfall reduced mold and mildew problems. 

The result was beautiful, top-quality fruit with well developed flavor and concentration.

VINEYARD

• Soucie Vineyard, Lodi AVA, Mokelumne River sub-AVA.
• Planted 1916; self-rooted, head-trained, unknown clone.
• Soil type: DeVries Sandy Loam
• Irrigation: As needed via underground drip.

HARVEST

• September 3 & 17, 2014

FERMENTATION

• Temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, whole-berry destem, four-day cold soak, 10 days active fermentation with yeast strains BM45, D80 & RP15, extended post-fermentation maceration.

ELEVAGE

• Eighteen months; 30% new American oak barrels.
• Malolactic fermentation in barrel.
• Racked four times.
• 15.7% ABV. pH 3.75, TA 5.75 g/L, RS .18 g/L

737 CASES PRODUCED