By Gregory James Wines
2016 Carreras Ranch Old Vine Zinfandel

Vineyard Notes
The Carreras Ranch Vineyard reminds Jim Demuth - founder of Gregory James Wines - of his love of farming and tradition. The vineyards were first planted by Italian immigrants to the Dry Creek Valley over 100 years ago. Planted on the East side of the valley, the Carreras Ranch Vineyard is situated on bench lands with volcanic soils rich in iron. The original vineyard blocks were planted as 'field blends,' meaning the vineyard was not planted to just one varietal. Most of the vines sourced for Gregory James Wines are Zinfandel, although there are some Carignane, Napa Gamay, Golden Chasselas, Petite Sirah, and Grenache vines mixed in. Mixing in these blending varietals - even a few vines - influences the flavor and balance of the wine.

Winemaking Notes
This Zinfandel is made using many traditional techniques, with modern touches to maintain quality. The fruit is fermented in small fermentation bins where the color, flavor, and aromatics are extracted from the skins, and delicate punch-downs are done by hand. Using native yeasts from the vineyard gives a further sense of place to this wine. Fermentation was monitored closely and completed after two weeks. After pressing the juice from the skins and seeds, secondary fermentation commenced to soften the acidity of the wine. A combination of French and American oak was used to give the finishing touches over 21 months before bottling.

Tasting Notes
Old Vine Zinfandel is becoming harder and harder to source as the vines continue to age well over 100 years. These vines are head trained and often dry-farmed allowing for minimal intervention in the vineyard, which results in lower crop yields. Gregory James Wines is very fortunate to work with a grower who honors and supports the farming of these historic vines. The resulting wines are balanced, with clear Zinfandel characteristics like in this 2016 Carreras Ranch Zinfandel, where you find bright cherry and blackberry with touches of raspberry on the nose. The palate is a feast of freshly picked berries, baking spices, and hints of savory black pepper.

Technical Details
Varietal: Zinfandel (with touches of field blend varietals)
Origin: Carreras Ranch, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Barrel Treatment: 10% American Oak, 20% New French Oak, 50% Neutral French Oak
Bottled: July 2018
TA: 8.00 g/L
pH: 3.54
[Information provided by Matador Vino]