Wes, a few days ago, I would have felt confident about Mr Gregory’s comments. After perusing the internet for more information, I have become very confused.
The “Rusty Ridge” Zin data sheets on Storrs’ website state that the grapes came from several vineyards. I believe that “Lion Oaks” Zinfandels were single-vineyard bottlings. A few Storrs wine data sheets can be found by performing a Google search for https://www.storrswine.com/s/
2021 Zinfandel Experience: “Women Winemakers”
During the 2021 ZAP! ZinEx “Women Winemakers” virtual tasting, Mrs Pamela Storrs explained that the 2017 “Rusty Ridge” Zinfandel was from one old-vine site.
Vimeo
Crush Wine Experiences
2021 Zinfandel Experience
“Virtual ZinEx Day 2” video
“Women Winemakers” Tasting
Pamela Storrs on Storrs 2017 Zinfandel
Here are some details Pam Storrs provided about the wine:
· sourced from a site on the eastern side of Mt Madonna;
· fog off of the summit at night cools the fruit, preserve acidity;
· vines planted around 1910;
· Zin yields of 1/4 to 1/2 ton per acre.
Storrs Facebook Video Presentations
In January, 2021, Pamela Bianchini-Storrs and Stephen Storrs hosted two tastings of “Rusty Ridge” Zinfandels (Storrs Facebook video). Another video focused on the “Rusty Ridge” Petite Sirah.
After viewing the ZinEx presentation, as well as 3 or 4 Storrs Facebook videos, I now am unable to differentiate between the “Lion Oaks” and “Rusty Ridge” vineyards.
Storrs’ Old-Vine Sources:
Aside from harvesting sites in the shadow of Mt Madonna, Storrs has produced wines from the “Besson Vyd”, “Clawfoot Vyd”(?), and “Two Creek Vyd”.
Old-vine grapes from several tiny backyard vineyards regularly contribute to the winery’s “Central Coast” Zinfandel bottlings. About half the fruit used in Storrs’ “Central Coast” Zins comes from Monterey County.
According to the Historic Vineyard Society profile for Kuchan Estate’s “Lepi Bregi Vineyard”, Storrs Winery is listed among the producers who have made use of its grapes. I don’t know what name this Morgan Hill site went by in years past.
*** EDIT ***
Storrs Wine Notes from Release Emails:
· "2017 Santa Cruz Mountains Petite Sirah
“Grown on a hillside terrace of Pleasant Valley, these vines yield a very Bordeaux-styled Petite…. This wine is balanced with firm, yet supple, tannins that create a medium-to-heavy bodied red wine that never overwhelms your palate. Aromas of plums and cassis fill your glass, while flavors of black currant and ripe Bing cherries dance across your tongue. Though excellent now, this wine will only improve with time in your wine cellar. Highly recommended with an autumn cassoulet or as a superior choice for Thanksgiving.” (Oct. 1, 2020)
· "2018 ‘Central Coast’ Zinfandel
(from the warm eastern-side of Mount Madonna)
“Several old vine vineyards come together to create this fruit-forward blend filled with bright notes of cherry & blackberry complimented by notes of vanilla & clove owing to aging in French and American cooperage. Given this wine’s heritage, it will pair splendidly with everything from lasagne Bolognese to beef tenderloin.” (Dec. 26, 2021)
Additional Info:
Plant Grape Blog
“Sommelier Panel at ZAP”
January 13, 2015
"…2007 Storrs Zinfandel ‘Rusty Ridge Vineyard’ Santa Clara County $30
“From an old vine vineyard near Morgan Hill on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this complex, layered, and very elegant Zinfandel really caught my attention. With notes of blueberry, blackberry, and cedar, and at 15.8% alcohol, it was certainly a big, bold Zin, but a combination of its age and higher, if not necessarily perceptible acidity gave incredible depth and balance. The vineyard yields fruit with very low pH so acids are high and the wine takes longer to develop.”