California’s great old vine Zinfandel vineyards

[M. Dildine]

I am curious as to the fate of the following vineyards all, I believe, located in Santa Clara area:

Bevilacqua,
Pedrizzetti,
Filice,
Colombano,
Fabretto,
Bertero,
Fortino,
Bonesio,
Roffinella

This lists originated from the following 1996 newspaper article archive link:
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro ... -9631.html

Thanks for the tip Drew! I'll pass these names along to Ridge's David Gates and see if you've unearthed some gems!

A current list of identified, living CA historic vineyards can be found here: http://www.historicvineyardsociety.org

[Brian Tuite]

I am curious as to the fate of the following vineyards all, I believe, located in Santa Clara area:

Bevilacqua,
Pedrizzetti,
Filice,
Colombano,
Fabretto,
Bertero,
Fortino,
Bonesio,
Roffinella

This lists originated from the following 1996 newspaper article archive link:
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro ... -9631.html

Thanks for the tip Drew! I'll pass these names along to Ridge's David Gates and see if you've unearthed some gems!

A current list of identified, living CA historic vineyards can be found here: http://www.historicvineyardsociety.org

May 7th is already reserved on my calendar! Can't wait.

[Drew Goin]

http://borravineyards.com/2012/10/the-s ... -heritage/

[Drew Goin]

You probably have this already...

http://lavishlivingmagazine.com/jessies-grove-winery

[Wes Barton]

I am curious as to the fate of the following vineyards all, I believe, located in Santa Clara area:

Bevilacqua,
Pedrizzetti,
Filice,
Colombano,
Fabretto,
Bertero,
Fortino,
Bonesio,
Roffinella

This lists originated from the following 1996 newspaper article archive link:
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro ... -9631.html

Thanks for the tip Drew! I'll pass these names along to Ridge's David Gates and see if you've unearthed some gems!

A current list of identified, living CA historic vineyards can be found here: http://www.historicvineyardsociety.org

If you haven't, you should talk to Matt Oettinger. He's 6th generation down in the Hecker Pass area, makes wine from his family property on Redwood Retreat, and manages some neighboring vineyards (incl Bates Ranch), which include some very old vines. It was mostly Zin down there, but some other stuff, too. David Bruce was sourcing from the area circa 1970.
http://www.fernwoodcellars.com/overview/

[M. Dildine]

Drew and Wes - thanks for the leads!

You guys might be interested in this event scheduled for May 7 in the RRV:

http://www.historicvineyardsociety.org/events/index.jsp

[David H.]

Drew and Wes - thanks for the leads!

You guys might be interested in this event scheduled for May 7 in the RRV:

http://www.historicvineyardsociety.org/events/index.jsp

Mike, this sounds like a fun and interesting event. The information is quite limited on the website currently, do you have any details or insight from previous events? This sounds like an event that would be right up my alley.

Thanks.

[Brian Tuite]

Drew and Wes - thanks for the leads!

You guys might be interested in this event scheduled for May 7 in the RRV:

http://www.historicvineyardsociety.org/events/index.jsp

Mike, this sounds like a fun and interesting event. The information is quite limited on the website currently, do you have any details or insight from previous events? This sounds like an event that would be right up my alley.

Thanks.

Recaps of past events:

2012 - http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/vie ... ur#p838547
2013 - http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/vie ... r#p1158940
2014 - http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/vie ... r#p1455588

I missed last years but this one is in my backyard.

[M. Dildine]

Recaps of past events:

2012 - http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/vie ... ur#p838547
2013 - http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/vie ... r#p1158940
2014 - http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/vie ... r#p1455588

Ticket information for the upcoming Vineyard Tour and Dinner will be available soon. Those interested can join the mailing list by emailing info@historicvineyardsociety.org.

[M. Dildine]

Those of you interested in joining the HVS mailing list, please state your email address on the request.

Thanks!

[Drew Goin]

I saw that the Ravenswood 2012 "Besieged" red blend included some Hemar Ranch, Alexander Valley, fruit. A Google search turned up this Gang of Pour page:

http://gangofpour.com/bree/northern_ridge/index.html

"[Ridge] 2000 Zinfandel Llewelyn – ATP - 77% Zinfandel, 23% Carignane, 15.2% alcohol - The Hemar Ranch is the source for this wine, and is located on Dutcher Creek Road, in the hills that separate the Dry Creek Valley from the Alexander Valley (which is its AVA). The oldest Zinfandel blocks date back to the 1890s – the Carignane to 1913."

It therefore appears that Ridge and Ravenswood (possibly even Dry Creek Vineyards) produce - or produced - red wines from the Zinfandel and Carignan vines at Hemar Ranch.

[Sean Devaney]

I saw that the Ravenswood 2012 "Besieged" red blend included some Hemar Ranch, Alexander Valley, fruit. A Google search turned up this Gang of Pour page:

http://gangofpour.com/bree/northern_ridge/index.html

"[Ridge] 2000 Zinfandel Llewelyn – ATP - 77% Zinfandel, 23% Carignane, 15.2% alcohol - The Hemar Ranch is the source for this wine, and is located on Dutcher Creek Road, in the hills that separate the Dry Creek Valley from the Alexander Valley (which is its AVA). The oldest Zinfandel blocks date back to the 1890s – the Carignane to 1913."

It therefore appears that Ridge and Ravenswood (possibly even Dry Creek Vineyards) produce - or produced - red wines from the Zinfandel and Carignan vines at Hemar Ranch.

Ridge only made Llewelyn zins in 2000 and 2001. The 2000 is still one of my favorite ATP wines, wish I had grabbed more. I was told from someone at Ridge that the owners of the vineyard would not sell Ridge the old vines unless they took the more recent plantings and that didn't fit into Ridge's plans.

Edit: To add I just read The Allan Bree article linked above. Allan and Wes Barton along with Tom Hill are the most knowledgeable posters on all things Ridge. Maybe they will chime in?

[Drew Goin]

I would like to submit that the Aparicio Vineyard is also known as the Murrill Vineyard.


Producers of the Aparicio Vineyard Zinfandel (and/or Carignan) of Amador County include Jeff Rundquist Wines, Oakstone/Obscurity Cellars, and Prisoner Wine Co (Saldo). Previously, Rosenblum bottled a vineyard-designated Zinfandel.

"Planted just after the repeal of prohibition in the 1930s the Carignane from Joe's vineyard has been on my radar screen for a long time. Fifteen years ago I spent some time with the Spinetta's as a consultant. During my time with them they produced a Carignane from the Aparicio vineyard and it was absolutely astounding. For years I teased Joe about when I was going to get a chance to work with the grapes. It wasn't until Joe retired in 2010 and leased the vineyard to the Murrills that I got the opportunity."

http://www.jeffrunquistwines.com/page-3 ... owers.html


Shenandoah Valley and Amador Wine Country
by Kimberly Wooten & R. Scott Baxter
Arcadia Publishing, 2008

Google Books Description:
"The grape has been grown and fermented into wine in the foothills of Amador County since the first days of the Gold Rush. While many dreamed of overnight riches in the gold fields, others saw wealth in the regions red soils and Mediterranean climate, patiently planting gardens and orchards, wheat, and vine. These vines, some of the oldest zinfandel in California, have produced distinctive wines in a viticultural tradition that has survived the ravages of mining, disease, and Prohibition. After Prohibition, the region slipped into quiet jug production until its rediscovery in the 1960s. While the Shenandoah Valley is undeniably the heart of Amadors winemaking region today, vineyards flourished historically from Sutter Creek to Fiddletown, from Jackson to Ione, and tasting rooms are open countywide."

• all text entries for "Aparicio Vineyard"

[Drew Goin]

Apparently, per a fellow Wine Berserker's thread, the St Rey Vineyards winery makes a Chenin Blanc from newer (1973) vines, as well as Zinfandel from older ones, from the Aparicio Vineyard.

https://streyvineyards.com/pages/aparicio-vineyards

The original WB post: link



Haarmeyer Wine Cellars / St Rey website:
https://haarmeyerwinecellars.com

[Drew Goin]

*BUMP*

Great thread!

I stumbled upon an old TN of the 2000 Seven Lions "Poor Man's Flat Vineyard" Zinfandel, which was supposedly from a 100-year-old Russian River Valley vineyard.

After emailing Ms Margi, sister of Fred and daughter of Burt Williams, she said that she thought the site was no longer in existence or, rather, it was the Windsor River Rd Vineyard and might now belong to Silver Oak.

If anyone has further insight into the vineyard's fate, I would be most grateful.

[Brian Tuite]

*BUMP*

Great thread!

I stumbled upon an old TN of the 2000 Seven Lions "Poor Man's Flat Vineyard" Zinfandel, which was supposedly from a 100-year-old Russian River Valley vineyard.

After emailing Ms Margi, sister of Fred and daughter of Burt Williams, she said that she thought the site was no longer in existence or, rather, it was the Windsor River Rd Vineyard and might now belong to Silver Oak.

If anyone has further insight into the vineyard's fate, I would be most grateful.

There are no old vine plantings on Windsor River Rd. A couple on Starr Rd just off WRR but otherwise nothing. You map states Windsor River Rd area but WRR is NW of that map. Maube they mean Windsor Rd/Mark West Station. Hard to say.

IMG_7746.JPG

[Drew Goin]

Thanks for the heads up, Brian.

The three East/West vineyard blocks shown in your highlighted portion of Starr Rd (just South of Windsor River Rd) are "Lytton de Rancheria of California", the "Dommen Vineyard", and the "Clopton Vineyard", from North-to-South.

My memory is shaky at best, but I thought this area off Starr Rd was to be converted into a casino or something.

[Tom DeBiase]

We live about 50 feet from Windsor rd and not aware of any old vine vineyards on it. Talking to some people who have lived there a lot longer than me, I was told that the Windsor High School complex (huge school, several large ball fields, surrounding parking lots etc) was a vineyard (or vineyards) before the school complex was built.

Don't know anything about the vineyard that was there, maybe it was the one in question.

Tom

[Drew Goin]

We live about 50 feet from Windsor rd and not aware of any old vine vineyards on it. Talking to some people who have lived there a lot longer than me, I was told that the Windsor High School complex (huge school, several large ball fields, surrounding parking lots etc) was a vineyard (or vineyards) before the school complex was built.

Don't know anything about the vineyard that was there, maybe it was the one in question.

Tom

Hey Tom,

Do you know when the school was built by any chance?

[T Welch]

We live about 50 feet from Windsor rd and not aware of any old vine vineyards on it. Talking to some people who have lived there a lot longer than me, I was told that the Windsor High School complex (huge school, several large ball fields, surrounding parking lots etc) was a vineyard (or vineyards) before the school complex was built.

Don't know anything about the vineyard that was there, maybe it was the one in question.

Tom

Hey Tom,

Do you know when the school was built by any chance?

From Wiki. In August 1995, Windsor High School opened with 160 - 9th grade students in 7 portable classrooms and a construction trailer serving as the administration building. Windsor High School students shared their original campus with 5th -8th grade students from Windsor Middle School on the current Windsor Creek Elementary School site.

[Tom DeBiase]

Drew, as Truett mentions the Windsor High School was a temporary group of small buildings started in the early 90's. The current Windsor High School complex was started in 1997 and finished in 2000.

My guess is that the land had been acquired around 1990 or early thereafter.

Hope this makes sense and helps figure out what Vineyard may have been there prior to the school being built.

Thanks for taking the time to research these Vineyard sites, very interesting information.

Tom

[Brian Tuite]

Drew, as Truett mentions the Windsor High School was a temporary group of small buildings started in the early 90's. The current Windsor High School complex was started in 1997 and finished in 2000.

My guess is that the land had been acquired around 1990 or early thereafter.

Hope this makes sense and helps figure out what Vineyard may have been there prior to the school being built.

Thanks for taking the time to research these Vineyard sites, very interesting information.

Tom

But the High Shool is a couple blocks off Windsor River Rd as are the remaining vineyard sites. If you look at the maps Drew provided and their captions we might be looking in the wrong place.

[Tom DeBiase]

Drew, as Truett mentions the Windsor High School was a temporary group of small buildings started in the early 90's. The current Windsor High School complex was started in 1997 and finished in 2000.

My guess is that the land had been acquired around 1990 or early thereafter.

Hope this makes sense and helps figure out what Vineyard may have been there prior to the school being built.

Thanks for taking the time to research these Vineyard sites, very interesting information.

Tom

But the High Shool is a couple blocks off Windsor River Rd as are the remaining vineyard sites. If you look at the maps Drew provided and their captions we might be looking in the wrong place.

Yea, I saw Windsor River Rd wasn't even on the map but since Windsor Rd was I thought there may have been a mix up. Another possibility is this, Keiser Park entrance is on Windsor River Rd. It is a large park with several ball fields and open space and it is adjacent and contiguous with the Windsor High School complex. If that whole area was once a vineyard, it is very likely that a main entrance would be on Windsor River Rd.

I'll ask around and see if I can get more definitive info.

Tom

[Blake Brown]

I did not take time to wade thru all 10 pages, but it should be noted that Jackass Hill is AKA Leno Martinelli Vineyard.

[Drew Goin]

I have been sitting on this mystery for 2 years.

I purchased a few wines from BUMP Cellars in 2015. The "Our Friends" page of the Bedrock Wine Company website brought this tiny operation, run by husband-and-wife Geordie & Mieko, to my attention.

Firstly, the white blend "Fortune" is stellar! I tasted it shortly after the arrived of my package. I strongly recommend that fans of the "Compagni Portis" whites from Bedrock and Carlisle try it.

Here is what Mieko's email told me about the white:

"The Rhône white blend, 'Fortune', is from a one-acre vineyard on Castle Road in Sonoma. All five varietals [Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc] grow here, a few rows of each. About 35 years old, planted by a winemaker that always intended a field blend."

More to the point, BUMP Cellars produces a "Hoaglund Vineyard Old Vine Blend" that, like most old-vine reds from the aforementioned wineries, needs time to really strut its stuff. I bet it would give some of the board favorites a run for their money!

According to Mieko:

"The Old Vine Blend is another field blend of seven varietals, reds and whites. It was planted in the 30's and is dry-farmed. Also, in the town of Sonoma on Gehricke Road."

The winery website states:

"The old vines in this field blend are Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Barbara, New Burgundy, Sauvignon Vert, Semillion, and Muscat Canelli! The vineyard was planted in the 1930's and does not have irrigation, so it is considered dry farmed. The grapes were picked on October 19th. Seven barrels were produced. This is an age worthy wine which is fairly tannic. It pairs well with rich foods and will continue to open up for the next few years."

Has anyone tried another wine from this property? The "Hoaglund Vineyard" seems to be on the Northeast corner of the Sonoma township. It almost appears to be in the process of being developed into something else. If you view it from the Google "satellite" perspective, note the concrete driveway-like structure that divides the property! I have not seen any vineyard that looked like this one. I think the address is: 19190 Gehricke, Lot 4 Road
Sonoma CA 95476

21601315_1_1454034917.jpg

Can anybody please confirm the location of the Hoaglund Vineyard, or provide additional information about it???

I hope to try more of the wines from BUMP Cellars in the future. As they are a tiny operation, most of the products are currently out of stock. I do not know if the recent fires affected the winery or its vineyard sites. I hope that they continue to produce wines of such high quality and value for years to come.

"My husband Geordie is our winemaker and the two of us run the business and make the wine, no employees yet. So, we truly appreciate every bottle sold." - Mieko

[Larry P]

Not familiar with this vineyard, but Castle Road is where Compagni Portis is located. This is in Lovall Valley and hit hard by fires. I know the Portis family lost their home. The vineyard I think is ok. We tried to see it a few weeks ago but Castle Road was still closed just before Compagni Portis.

[Brian Tuite]

Coturri says it’s before Ravenswood and across from Sebastiani which puts it right about where you pinned it.

[Mike Evans]

Based on planting date, the Sceales Vineyard sees to qualify as a historic vineyard, but it isn't listed. Does anyone know if it it fails to qualify because of replanting?

[Brian Tuite]

Based on planting date, the Sceales Vineyard sees to qualify as a historic vineyard, but it isn't listed. Does anyone know if it it fails to qualify because of replanting?

Perhaps nobody has submitted it for inclusion?

Vineyard criteria:

A currently producing California wine vineyard
Original planting date no later than 1960
At least 1/3 of existing producing vines can be traced back to original planting date

Vineyard dating validation process

To ensure consistency, the vineyards nominated for the Registry will undergo a review process.

Reviewers will include the Project Team, supplemented, if necessary, by other industry professionals
In the event of factual dispute, the Project Team may request documentation
If a factual dispute cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the Project Team or the winery/vineyard owner, the vineyard date will be listed as “under review”
The Project Team will honor any requests to remove vineyards from the registry

How to nominate a new vineyard for the Registry or challenge existing vineyard information:
Please forward all comments and inquiries to Mike Dildine, or a member of the Advisory Council.

[Morgan Twain-Peterson]

Not familiar with this vineyard, but Castle Road is where Compagni Portis is located. This is in Lovall Valley and hit hard by fires. I know the Portis family lost their home. The vineyard I think is ok. We tried to see it a few weeks ago but Castle Road was still closed just before Compagni Portis.

Drew has the location correct. Unfortunately the vineyard is in varying states of repair. The original Hoaglund Vineyard was roughly 10 acres and went at some point to Coturri and then to Ravenswood. At some point the Hoaglund family sold off the majority of the vineyard for subdivision and development. We farmed and worked one of the 2 acres pieces (it went into Old Vine) until it was sold and most of the vines were torn out. It was a pretty fascinating vineyard- a field-blend of Aubun, Abouriou, Zinfandel, Carignan, Palomino and a few other odds and ends. I believe that Phil Staehle at Enkidu might still get the fruit from the remaining piece that still belongs to the Hoaglund family.

[Larry P]

Not familiar with this vineyard, but Castle Road is where Compagni Portis is located. This is in Lovall Valley and hit hard by fires. I know the Portis family lost their home. The vineyard I think is ok. We tried to see it a few weeks ago but Castle Road was still closed just before Compagni Portis.

Drew has the location correct. Unfortunately the vineyard is in varying states of repair. The original Hoaglund Vineyard was roughly 10 acres and went at some point to Coturri and then to Ravenswood. At some point the Hoaglund family sold off the majority of the vineyard for subdivision and development. We farmed and worked one of the 2 acres pieces (it went into Old Vine) until it was sold and most of the vines were torn out. It was a pretty fascinating vineyard- a field-blend of Aubun, Abouriou, Zinfandel, Carignan, Palomino and a few other odds and ends. I believe that Phil Staehle at Enkidu might still get the fruit from the remaining piece that still belongs to the Hoaglund family.

Thanks for the info Morgan.

[Drew Goin]

Not familiar with this vineyard, but Castle Road is where Compagni Portis is located. This is in Lovall Valley and hit hard by fires. I know the Portis family lost their home. The vineyard I think is ok. We tried to see it a few weeks ago but Castle Road was still closed just before Compagni Portis.

Drew has the location correct. Unfortunately the vineyard is in varying states of repair. The original Hoaglund Vineyard was roughly 10 acres and went at some point to Coturri and then to Ravenswood. At some point the Hoaglund family sold off the majority of the vineyard for subdivision and development. We farmed and worked one of the 2 acres pieces (it went into [Bedrock] Old Vine) until it was sold and most of the vines were torn out. It was a pretty fascinating vineyard- a field-blend of Aubun, Abouriou, Zinfandel, Carignan, Palomino and a few other odds and ends. I believe that Phil Staehle at Enkidu might still get the fruit from the remaining piece that still belongs to the Hoaglund family.

I am just now seeing your comments on the Hoaglund Vineyard, Morgan. Thanks for the information!!!

[Drew Goin]

Does anyone have any information on the Keenan old-vine Zinfandel (with an unknown amount of Carignane and Alicante Bouschet), property on Spring Mountain known as the "Point Vineyard", an Eastern-facing, sloping, rocky site?

I found out about it from the Premier Napa Valley site's 2014 offering of a 2012 Keenan Winery "A Nod to History" Zinfandel:

https://premierenapavalley.com/wines/wi ... Lot=400185

[Drew Goin]

Is the Beeson Vineyard, subject of a vineyard-designated bottling from Dry Creek Vineyards, NOT an old-vine site?

[Drew Goin]

I have discovered some resources that may aid in locating old vineyards of California.

As the majority of the linked books and articles are not from nowadays, I dunno if the vineyards are still in existence. Either way, most of the content provides history buffs a chance to nerd out!

• Wines and Vines in California by Eunice Wait (published in 1889):

This text offers a fairly comprehensive list of California's counties, with a summary of the primary grapes grown and a contemporary roster of the growers. I found this work to be concise and easy to explore in comparison to most late 19th Century reviews of wine and grape growing.

https://books.google.com/books?id=sbg6A ... navlinks_s


• History of Wine in America: From the Beginnings to Prohibition by Thomas Pinney (published in 1989):

The title says it all.

https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebo ... nd=ucpress

• Report of the ... Industrial Exhibition of the Mechanics' Institute of the City of San Francisco, Issue 22 (published in 1887)

Report of the ... Industrial Exhibition of the Mechanics' Institute of the City of San Francisco, Issue 23 (published in 1888):

I am not familiar with the organization behind the publication of these books. However, the manner in which each year's top wines and vintners' are reviewed is fascinating.


• Wine Library Associates of Sonoma County Oral History Series (numerous transcribed interviews):

I always enjoy reading the transcribed interviews of Californian wine personalities. The way that every subject presents his or her personal relationship with wine, be it as a grower, winemaker, or otherwise, is fascinating.


• Internet Archive: Sonoma County Wine Library (pre-1923):

Posters, books, videos, etc, are available through the Internet Archive. I was slightly disappointed with the limited, though diverse, inventory posted by the Sonoma Wine Library. I hope that more resources will be added in time.


• Internet Archive: Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library (not exclusively related directly to wine history):

The breadth of materials shared in this collection is amazing. I have not found much that has been of aid to me. Perhaps a local would have a better chance of sorting through all the videos and such.


• History of Sonoma County: Including Its Geology, Topography, Mountains, Valleys and Streams; with a Full and Particular Record of the Spanish Grants; Its Early History and Settlement by Alley, Bowen & Company (published in 1880):

I have not combed through this book thoroughly, yet it presents a comprehensive look at various facets of Sonoma County in the 1800's.


• When the Rivers Ran Red: An Amazing Story of Courage and Triumph in America's Wine Country by Vivienne Sosnowski (published in 2009):

A fun read, though lacking in actual information on the grapes grown and wineries operated before and following America's "Noble Experiment".


• The Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society website: Digital Newspaper Archive


• Sonoma County History website: "Preservation and Restoration Efforts" Links


I have a few more resources to share. It will take more time to compile them. I do hope that some of these works prove educational, as well as helpful, to others.

[Brian Tuite]

Thanks Drew!

39226839-2770-4004-9761-31268497889B.jpeg

[Drew Goin]

Thanks Drew!

39226839-2770-4004-9761-31268497889B.jpeg

Hey, I have an excuse to use this image...

[Drew Goin]

While just now reading Stephen Brook's The Wines of California (1999), I came across mention of an Arroyo Grande (Central Coast) Zinfandel planting allegedly from 1874.

The internet brought me to Saucelito Canyon's "1880" Zinfandel, which tells the same story.

https://www.saucelitocanyon.com/wines/1880_zinfandel

Why haven't I heard of this planting before? Sure, the wine is limited to clean members of the current winery only, but still...?

[Cris Whetstone]

While just now reading Stephen Brook's The Wines of California (1999), I came across mention of an Arroyo Grande (Central Coast) Zinfandel planting allegedly from 1874.

The internet brought me to Saucelito Canyon's "1880" Zinfandel, which tells the same story.

https://www.saucelitocanyon.com/wines/1880_zinfandel

Why haven't I heard of this planting before? Sure, the wine is limited to clean members of the current winery only, but still...?

Nice find. Looks to be hard to source.

[Ken Zinns]

While just now reading Stephen Brook's The Wines of California (1999), I came across mention of an Arroyo Grande (Central Coast) Zinfandel planting allegedly from 1874.

The internet brought me to Saucelito Canyon's "1880" Zinfandel, which tells the same story.

https://www.saucelitocanyon.com/wines/1880_zinfandel

Why haven't I heard of this planting before? Sure, the wine is limited to clean members of the current winery only, but still...?

Saucelito Canyon has been around for a long time - they were a small but well-established label when I first visited Central Coast wineries in early 1992. They used to share a tasting room with Talley inside Talley's old historic El Rincón Adobe - well, they didn't exactly share a tasting room, Talley and Saucelito Canyon each had separate spots inside the small building even though there was generally only one person there to pour the wines from both labels. I've never tasted the "1880" Zin bottling - last time I stopped in at Saucelito Canyon (which now has its own tasting room in Edna Valley) all their Zin was still blended into their single estate bottling.

[s.spewock]

Not sure you have this, but Zichichi used to be Bartolozzi Ranch. Says zin was planted in 1928.

[Drew Goin]

Another article on the abiguity surrounding what qualifies as an "old vineyard" with regard to Zinfandel in particular (with a few recommended bottles):


Mercury News
"Wine: ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandels"
by Laurie Daniel
February 13, 2014


"California has zinfandel vines that are more than 140 years old. But when you buy a bottle of 'old vine' zinfandel, don’t assume that the grapes are from such venerable vines.

"There’s no legal definition for what constitutes an 'old vine', nor are there rules about putting the term on a wine label. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the federal agency that approves wine labels, requested public comment on the matter in 2010, but nothing ever came of it. Other label terms with no legal definition include 'ancient vines' and 'heritage vines'.

"Many vintners agree that a vine is old at 50. Zinfandel Advocates & Producers, an organization that celebrates zinfandel and its place in U.S. wine history, hasn’t taken an official position on 'old vine'. But Rebecca Robinson, ZAP’s executive director, points out that only vineyards that were more than 60 years old were used for cuttings in the Heritage Vineyard Project, a project of ZAP and the UC Davis. The first phase was planted in 1995 with cuttings from pre-Prohibition vineyards around the state.

"The issue of vine age is complicated, says Joel Peterson, founder and winemaker for Ravenswood Winery in Sonoma. Peterson knows a thing or two about old vines: He works with vineyards in Sonoma County that date back to the 1880s — 'we would all agree those are old,' he says — and with other old vineyards in Lodi and the Napa Valley.

“'Really old vineyards are a mix of vines,' Peterson says. In addition to the original vines on the property, a vineyard almost always has some newer vines that have replaced dead or diseased plants. 'Are we talking about the average age? … It’s hard to make a rule.' That’s one reason Peterson thinks it’s fine that the government didn’t wade into the issue.

"Old zinfandel vines are so prized for several reasons. These twisted, gnarled plants produce naturally low yields of grapes that are concentrated, intense and flavorful. Peterson says these vines are more integrated with their surroundings and exhibit consistent behavior, in addition to producing a naturally small crop. However, he says, 'There are vines that are 60 and 70 years old that aren’t behaving like old vines,' because they’re growing on a more fertile or productive site. At the same time, he says, a dry-farmed zin vineyard on a marginal site might produce old-vine-type fruit when the vines are younger.

“'Yes, you have to have age, but it’s about the behavior of the vine,' Peterson says. In general, though, he says that 'around 50 years, plus or minus five' is a good rule of thumb...."

Here is a list of the wines tasted for the above article:

• 2011 Bogle "Old Vine" Zinfandel
• 2011 Dry Creek Vineyard "Old Vine" Zinfandel
• 2010 Howell Mountain Vineyards "Old Vine" Zinfandel
• 2011 Ridge "Lytton Springs"*
• 2011 Ridge "Pagani Ranch" Zinfandel*

* An interesting note made in this article is that Ridge Vineyards does not label its wines as old-vine sourced (at least, not on the front of the bottles).


I have read more in-depth pieces on the old Zin vineyards of America, but I am impressed with the author's ability to avoid the "the T-word" in providing some of the strong points of viticultural sites that are +50-years-old; then again, the words are straight from the Godfather/Patron Saint of Zinfandel, so I suppose credit goes to him for the succinct identification of these vines' advantages over more youthful/vigorous ones.

Also, I believe that Laurie Daniel's work was printed after the formation of the Historic Vineyard Society, whose criteria for the organization's roster more or less address the potential factors that can blur the lines of whether or not a vineyard is indeed "old".

[Drew Goin]

I have been sitting on this mystery for 2 years.

I purchased a few wines from BUMP Cellars in 2015. The "Our Friends" page of the Bedrock Wine Company website brought this tiny operation, run by husband-and-wife Geordie & Mieko, to my attention.

Firstly, the white blend "Fortune" is stellar! I tasted it shortly after the arrived of my package. I strongly recommend that fans of the "Compagni Portis" whites from Bedrock and Carlisle try it.

Here is what Mieko's email told me about the white:

"The Rhône white blend, 'Fortune', is from a one-acre vineyard on Castle Road in Sonoma. All five varietals [Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc] grow here, a few rows of each. About 35 years old, planted by a winemaker that always intended a field blend."

More to the point, BUMP Cellars produces a "Hoaglund Vineyard Old Vine Blend" that, like most old-vine reds from the aforementioned wineries, needs time to really strut its stuff. I bet it would give some of the board favorites a run for their money!

According to Mieko:

"The Old Vine Blend is another field blend of seven varietals, reds and whites. It was planted in the 30's and is dry-farmed. Also, in the town of Sonoma on Gehricke Road."

The winery website states:

"The old vines in this field blend are Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Barbara, New Burgundy, Sauvignon Vert, Semillion, and Muscat Canelli! The vineyard was planted in the 1930's and does not have irrigation, so it is considered dry farmed. The grapes were picked on October 19th. Seven barrels were produced. This is an age worthy wine which is fairly tannic. It pairs well with rich foods and will continue to open up for the next few years."

Has anyone tried another wine from this property? The "Hoaglund Vineyard" seems to be on the Northeast corner of the Sonoma township. It almost appears to be in the process of being developed into something else. If you view it from the Google "satellite" perspective, note the concrete driveway-like structure that divides the property! I have not seen any vineyard that looked like this one. I think the address is: 19190 Gehricke, Lot 4 Road
Sonoma CA 95476



Can anybody please confirm the location of the Hoaglund Vineyard, or provide additional information about it???

I hope to try more of the wines from BUMP Cellars in the future. As they are a tiny operation, most of the products are currently out of stock. I do not know if the recent fires affected the winery or its vineyard sites. I hope that they continue to produce wines of such high quality and value for years to come.

"My husband Geordie is our winemaker and the two of us run the business and make the wine, no employees yet. So, we truly appreciate every bottle sold." - Mieko

_20181213_002247.JPG

Morgan Twain-Peterson's reply


BUMP Cellars is still bottling wine from the "Hoaglund Vineyard". The field blend's 2014 vintage was released a few days ago. According to the email:

""A real Frankenwine (Yes, it is a monster) made from Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Barbera, Alicante Bouschet and Early Burgundy. This field blend is from a small vineyard, located in the town of Sonoma that was planted in the 1920’s. This is an age worthy wine that will continue to open up for the next ten years. It is fairly tannic, yet fruit forward with notes of plum, melted chocolate, sage and blueberries...."

_20181213_002208.JPG

[Drew Goin]

To add to my previous statement, I found out that Enkidu produced a Zin-dominant wine from the "Hoaglund Vineyard" as well...


Enkidu Wines bottles various Zins (including one from the "Bedrock Vineyard"), Rhône-style reds & whites, Pinot Noir, Cab Sauv, etc. The 2016 "E" Zinfandel wine was sourced from the "Hoaglund Vineyard".


Here's what the data sheet states about the 2016 bottling:

"The Enkidu 'E' wines are crafted in the same style of all of our wines, with balance, complexity and harmony. The 2016 Sonoma County 'Old Vine' Zinfandel is just that. With an average vine age of over 75 years, this blend of 75% Zinfandel, 15% Carignane, 6% Alicante Bouschet and 4% Petite Sirah is as the vineyard is planted. An incredible amount was known by the growers of many decades ago about the benefits of blending different varietals. But instead of blending individual varietal wines after they were fermented, the vineyards were planted with inter-planted varietals at the proportions the growers/wine producers desired. These are the venerable vineyards of California that are capable of producing profound wines of which we are proud and excited to offer."


Enkidu Wines website:
http://www.enkiduwines.com

[Ken Zinns]

I've meant to post a few photos from old vineyards I saw in Cucamonga Valley in June, but keep forgetting to do it. Anyway, here they are. I saw the vineyards in conjunction with a visit to Galleano Winery, one of the region's few remaining wineries. Officially launched in 1933, Galleano is believed to be the oldest winery in Southern California that is still run by the original founding family and in its original location.

The best-known vineyard in the area (and by far the largest remaining vineyard at over 300 acres) is Lopez Vineyard, planted in 1918 near the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. There are about six acres of Grenache with the rest of the vineyard planted to Zinfandel. The vines at Lopez are all own-rooted, head-trained, and dry-farmed, which is typical of vineyards in the area. Lopez Vineyard is also farmed organically. The soil is sandy and rather rocky, and the vines are surprisingly tiny given their age. No big gnarly vine trunks here – most of the vines are no more than 30 inches tall, possibly due to the limited water and nutrients available to them, and the wind that often blows through the area. The roots are said to extend as far as 30-50 feet into the ground. Galleano is among the producers that buy this fruit, as well as Carol Shelton Wines in Sonoma County (she uses the fruit for her "Monga" Zinfandel).

097 lopez vineyard.jpg

A few miles away, not far from Ontario Airport, is Hofer Ranch. Founded in 1888 and listed as a National Historic Register Property, it’s now owned by Paul Hofer III, a descendent of original owner Sanford Ballou. There are six acres of old own-rooted Grenache vines planted in the very sandy soil – they're much larger than the Zinfandel vines at Lopez Vineyard. The vineyard at Hofer Ranch had once been much larger and had included Mission vines, but only the single block of Grenache still grows there. It’s uncertain when these head-trained and dry-farmed vines were planted – possibly in the early 1930s though some could be as old as the late nineteenth century. Galleano also buys this fruit.

100 hofer ranch.jpg

I spotted a large field of neglected old vines not far away, and learned that this was the old Gateway Vineyard. Galleano Winery brought in the last harvest from there in 2017 and it sounded like the 20+ acres of Zinfandel vines, probably planted in the 1930s, will be pulled out and the land developed for warehouses and two hotels.

Galleano Winery also has a seven-acre estate vineyard adjacent to their winery. Planted in the 1940s and all head-trained and dry-farmed, this site includes Palomino, Golden Chasselas, Grenache, Zinfandel, Mission, Alicante Bouschet, and Cinsault vines.

096 galleano.jpg

[Drew Goin]

I spotted a large field of neglected old vines not far away, and learned that this was the old Gateway Vineyard. Galleano Winery brought in the last harvest from there in 2017 and it sounded like the 20+ acres of Zinfandel vines, probably planted in the 1930s, will be pulled out and the land developed for warehouses and two hotels.

Thanks for the information, Ken!!


I am sad to hear that another old vineyard is destined to be uprooted for commercial development. It's a huge threat in this area, and in all places in general.

[Drew Goin]

Screenshot_2019-01-17-19-51-24.png

Possible new candidate for the Historic Vineyard Society roster?

According to the most recent issue of Wine & Spirits magazine:


10% of the fruit in Rodney Strong's 2015 "Knotty Vines" Zinfandel is from the "River West Vineyard" in Sonoma's Healdsburg area. The 6-acre portion of this site, per this bottling's TN in the February, 2019 issue, was planted in 1904! Another 14% of the wine is from the same vineyard, but a parcel dating to 1940.

The balance consists of grapes from 40-year-old estate vineyards in the RRV and Alexander Valley.


The "Vineyards" page of the Rodney Strong website states the following about the "River West Vineyard":

"'River West Vineyard'
Russian River Valley
200 Acres Established 1940

"A unique ranch in the Russian River Valley where the terroirs of Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys meet. Beautiful Chardonnay is grown on the deepest soils right next to the Russian River, while the less-fertile benchland produces spectacular Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet.

"Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel"


The Russian River Valley Winegrowers profile for Davis Bynum Winery lists the address for the "River West Vineyard" as 3874 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448.


Meanwhile, the profile for this vineyard on Davis Bynum's website states:

"'River West' is located in the Middle Reach neighborhood of Russian River Valley and this vineyard is home to 87 acres of Chardonnay in total, consisting of six different clones on two types of soil. Terrain is gently sloping, with well-drained Yolo sandy loam soils interspersed with very gravelly Cortina soils. Subsoil is deep alluvial gravels extending down several feet. These deep gravels have little fertility."

_20190117_202224.JPG

Can any of you help me with this site?

[Sean Devaney]

Not familiar with that vineyard, and you probably know this, Rodney Strong now owns Davis Bynum so there is that connection.

[Brian Tuite]

There is a parcel to the West of what is labeled Pring Mountain on the Bynum map tgat is old vine Zinfandel. It fronts Westside Rd and is quite picturesque.

[Brian Tuite]

From my prior post.

0DE4EDE2-3230-4F4B-9F10-994735C5C448.jpeg