1976 Mount Eden Vineyards Late Harvest Zinfandel, Old Hill Ranch. Let me start by saying that this is, hands down, one of the craziest wines that I’ve ever had the pleasure of consuming. I first opened this the other night with my guy @champanista and we did not know what to make of it. Granted it came after a 1990 Bruno Paillard N.P.U and a 1995 Ravenswood Old Hill Ranch, but it opened up with a some mustiness (I was worried it was corked but twas not the case) and a very distinct, very bizarre nose of Pinesol. I kid you not. Pinesol! It was also very dry, thin, and austere on the palate. We left it alone for a bit and it came together some and filled out slightly with a hint of sweetness on the palate. I kept the rest of the bottle (3/4 full) and left it on the counter for a couple days. I wasn’t expecting much when I poured a glass but was blown away to find that the wine had completely opened up, fleshed out, and gained a ton of complexity. I’m drinking the last glass now (5 days after we first opened it) and it’s got a lovely mint note on the nose, dark/dusty fruits on the palate, and a hint of sweetness and tannin on the acid-filled finish. Blind, I’d say it’s 10 to 15 years old tops. Amazing! What a ride. A seemingly bulletproof wine from one the greatest old vine CA Vineyards that I feel absolutely privileged to have drank.
I was a little concerned about waiting too long on a 1997 Ridge Late Harvest Paso Robles Zin. Your note will will help me sleep easy. I’ll let it sleep another decade or two.
Are late harvest zins known to live longer than traditional versions?
That’s a great question, and while im definitely no expert, my opinion is that they do tend to live lo get than traditional zins. Maybe its the residual sugar?? Either way, I’ve had a handful of late harvest/late picked Ridge zins from the 70’s and they have all been pretty great. Happy to have some more in the cellar as they are PRICEY now whenever you see em at auction.
Wow I never knew Mount Eden even dabbled in Zin at all and finding Old Hill Ranch! I remember Roudon Smith did a few vintages of OHR zin in that time frame. I wonder if there was any connection there.
Funny! I opened a 1991 Ravenswood Draper Vineyard Zinfandel tonight that clocked in at 16.2% ABV! Great stuff - not a “late harvest” but definitely trended towards a port-like profile with flavors reminiscent of cherry cordial and balsamic vinegar while still retaining lightness and freshness at 32 years old!
On the other hand, I have had 1977 and 1978 Ridge Geyserville that have also been pretty great. So, not sure this proves much other than well made Zins can age a long time.
Yep, that’s a very good point! Ive also had plenty of ‘regular’ zins that have aged well…and or course some that haven’t. While i definitely can not speak to the science behind it, i feel like my hit rate with older LH/LP zins has been a little higher than standard bottles, hence my residual sugar comment. That said, i think you’re probably spot on that winemaking (and maybe vineyard) trumps most other things
That was an era of chaos, in the wake of the investors ousting Martin Ray and then having a musical chairs winemakers and bickering over all sorts of ideas. The MEV label was one, as a second label for non-estate fruit at a lower price for cash flow.
Oh interesting Eric! You’ve for sure consumed much more dessert wine than i have, but in general my experience with older LH zin has been very favorable. I hear you on the potential of a pruney aspect, but most that ive tried have aged surprisingly well and generally over-perform. But like we said…producer and vineyard are definitely important.
This was a fun note to read. Most shocking was the fact it held up for days. Perry wild. I’d have not have wagered this would have had the legs. Sounds like a gift.
