Helen and Charles Bacigalupi started farming their precious old vine grapes in Russian River Valley in 1956. When we got word that Helen might part with 5 tons of their Century Clone Zinfandel, we drove over to her ranch and simply fell in love! The Bacigalupis were about 50 years ahead of the sustainable agriculture movement, avoiding chemicals and tilling and then training vines as high as four feet above the ground to improve air circulation. The long, cool growing season of the Russian River Valley allows Zinfandel to achieve incredible levels of ripeness.

Our inaugural Zinfandel from the Bacigalupi Vineyard features a deep, dark nose of concentrated fruit, think blueberries and blackberries, along with loads of pepper, cloves and baking spices. A rich, integrated, powerful mouthfeel featuring dark fruit flavors, spice, vanilla and cigar box lead to a balanced, satisfying finish. Buddy this Zin up with some lamb sliders.