Croix Estatel “1904” Zinfandel 2021, Croix Estate Vineyard, Laguna Ridge, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California

90% Zinfandel, 10% Alicante Bouchet. Vineyards: Croix Estate Vineyard, Laguna Ridge. ur Croix Estate Vineyard is a heritage vineyard site located next door to the Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard and across the drive from the Chelli and Belloni Vineyards. South of the Russian River near Forestville, the Laguna Ridge sub-region overlooks the Laguna de Santa Rosa. The vineyard is dry farmed on low pH/fertility sandy loam soils, set in a temperate growing environment where cool, foggy mornings give way to warm summer days, producing bold and powerful results. Old vine Zinfandel and Alicante Bouchet on these soils produces smaller cluster sets, naturally reducing yields and concentrating delicious goodness. The impact of Alicante Bouchet on the wine shows in color concentration and perfumed aromatics. Lively aromatics of boysenberry, blueberry, black cherry, and lavender catch curiosity immediately. The wine’s hue sheets the glass with jet black ink, indicative of Alicante Bouchet’s influence on the concentration of color. The mouthfeel is a viscous, luscious harmony of star anise, black plum, blackberries, and savory sweet bliss. Aged in 50% new French oak for 16 months. 15 barrels produced.