Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel

VINEYARDS: The 2016 Ancient Vines Zinfandel draws primarily from a wide selection of our oldest most historic and shyest-bearing Zinfandel blocks in Contra Costa County. Grapes were planted by Italian and Portuguese immigrants in the sandy phylloxera-resistant soils of Oakley California more than 100 years ago. These ancient dry-farmed vineyards consistently produce fruit of stunning concentration. The lots that we hand-selected are the result of sensitive farming practices the singular Oakley terroir and a unique cooling band of air that flows from the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. FERMENTATION & AGING: Lots were harvested separately according to ripeness and balance of acidity. Grapes underwent near total de-stemming and a very gentle crushing to ensure a large proportion of whole berries in the must – contributing to the explosive fruit character of the wine. The grape juice skins and seeds (called must) along with some added yeasts were fermented in temperature