2022 Ancient Field Blend
Old Hill Ranch

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The 2022 Ancient vines begin with subtle aromas of plum and herbal spice. The shyness is brief and once on the palate it bursts with flavor and texture.  With more time in the glass the aromas unfold and becomes quite effusive.  Perhaps decanting is in order, or aging it, if you have time.

     (For the newbies; this wine is made from over 30 grape varieties that were planted promiscuously throughout our 12-acre dry-farmed vineyard that was planted in 1885 (thus “ancient”). Zinfandel makes up the greatest portion (~60%) with Grenache second (~15%). The “teinturiers,” Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, and to a much lesser extent, Lenoir and Petite Bouschet make up about 10% of the vineyard. And, there is a significant amount of Carignane, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Petite Sirah too. Using DNA we have documented three very rare varieties that otherwise exist in the French Alps; Mollard, Persan, and Etraire de la Dui. There are also small, but important number of white grapes: Chardonnay, French Colombard, Chasselas, Muscat of Alexandria and Clairette Blanche. To a lesser extent we find Aramon, Catawba, Peloursin, Charbono, Black Muscat and Tannat. Finally, there is a significant amount of the “unknown spotted grape” named for the fact that it has no DNA marker and the grapes have spots!)

$46.00     15.3% alc.     390 cases produced

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