ZD's Estate Vineyard and deLeuze Family Vineyard Certified Organic since 1999 With organic farming practices that date back to the early 1980's, ZD Wines is proud to have been at the forefront of the sustainable wine movement. Click here to learn more about our eco practices. |
ZD Wines Pinot Noir
Quick Links » 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | Older Vintages
Learn about ZD Wines Pinot Noir Winemaking,
or enjoy one of our Pinot Noir Wine Pairing Recipes.
$40
2008 40th Anniversary Pinot Noir, Carneros - Buy Now
The 2008 vintage marked the 40th Anniversary of ZD Wines, and this wine is the 40th consecutive vintage of Pinot Noir produced. Crafted from a blend of the highly regarded Dijon clones 667, 777 and the older, but equally respected, 115 and Pommard clones, this wine is a true expression of what the Carneros has to offer. The vineyard has been farmed organically since 2002 and was certified in 2005. The medium ruby color and aromas of briary raspberry and black cherry are complemented by subtle hints of vanilla, cedar and rhubarb. Aged for 10 months in small French Oak barrels, the subtle oak nuances integrate beautifully with the ripe, unctuous fruit and silky tannins. Enjoy!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
2007 Founder's Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros - sold out
This wine is a tribute to the memory of Norman deLeuze, ZD’s founder. His enthusiasm
for winemaking and commitment to organic growing techniques resonates in this 2007 Pinot Noir, his favorite varietal. Norman approached each day with a renewed spirit of quiet optimism, a spirit that continues to thrive in the history and people of ZD Wines. Reflective of his passion for life, this wine is refined, enjoyable and full of charm.
The fruit for this Pinot Noir was harvested from our organically farmed vineyard in Napa/Carneros. Set in motion by Norman, ZD’s intensive growing techniques using deficit irrigation, crop thinning, and hand canopy management added to the natural depth and complexity of this low yielding vineyard. Aged for 15 months in French Oak, this wine would have put a sparkle in Norm’s eye.
-Robert deLeuze, CEO/Winemaster
- Gold Medal - West Coast Wine Competition 2009
- Gold Medal - Taster's Guild International Wine Judging 2009
- Gold Medal - International Eastern Wine Competition 2009
- Gold Medal - Los Angeles International Wine Competition 2009
2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros - unavailable
Two thousand and six marked an important milestone for ZD Pinot Noir, with 100% of our Pinot fruit coming from organically certifi ed vineyards. The grapes for this 2006 Carneros Pinot Noir came exclusively from Jim Haire’s Vineyard in the Carneros. A longtime ZD Pinot Noir grower, Jim decided (with gentle prodding!) to farm our two blocks organically in 2002. Both blocks are now certifi ed and are planted to the highly regarded Dijon clones, the smaller 13 acre block to clone 667 and the remaining 16 acres to clone 777, 115 and Pommard. Our winemaking approach hasn’t changed. We gently de-stem the fruit and ferment it in small open top fermentors. Hand punchdowns of the cap every 6 hours during fermentation ensures a gentle extraction of color and tannins, and 10 months of rest in 100% French Oak barrels help to create a wine with depth, balance and elegance. Dark ruby in color.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Highly Recommended - California Grapevine Dec. 2007 - Jan. 2008
- Gold Medal - Taster's Guild International Wine Judging 2008
- Gold Medal- Hilton Head Island Wine Festival 2008
$65
2006 Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros - sold out
Not surprisingly, ZD’s organically certified deLeuze Family Vineyard, planted to the Hanzel clonal selection, has given us another Reserve Pinot Noir with great color, depth and complexity. Our vineyard is dry farmed, naturally regulating the crop size to about 2.5-3 tons/acre, which is ideal for producing deep, concentrated pinot noirs. Fermentation takes place in small open top fermentors, where the cap is “punched-down” every six hours, to ensure a gentle, yet efficient extraction of color and tannins. The wine then “rests” in French oak barrels for 15 months with minimal rackings. Aromas of black cherry, plum and briary rhubarb mingle with subtle notes of vanilla, cola and toasted nuts. This wine is rich and full-bodied on the palate with dark cherry and plum flavors, sweet vanilla and toast. The tannins are soft and velvety, and help to carry the fruit through to an amazingly long finish. Only 1,125 cases of this wine were produced. Enjoy!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Double Gold Medal - Taster's Guild
- Gold Medal - Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
- Gold Medal - Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition
- Gold Medal - Orange County Fair Wine Competition
$48
2005 Pinot Noir, Carneros - Buy Now
Produced from a blend of several small lots from two vineyards in the cool Carneros, this Pinot Noir shows our commitment to producing wines of distinct varietal character and balance. The primary clonal selections are Dijon 667 from Jim Haire’s vineyard and the Swan clone from ZD’s own organically certified deLeuze Family Vineyard. The fruit was harvested at optimal maturities and fermented in small open top fermentors. Hand punchdowns every six hours during fermentation ensure a gentle extraction of color and tannin. The wine then rests in 100% French oak barrels for ten months before being bottled in July. This wine is showing classic pinot character right now. Bright, forward black/sour cherry, plum and a hint of rhubarb. Subtle hints of vanilla, clove and spice slowly emerge in the glass. On the palate the wine is bursting with ripe cherries and strawberry, and it soon reveals a smooth, velvety texture with great acid/tannin balance. This wine is drinking great right now but will continue to develop complexity in the years to come. We hope you enjoy it!!!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2007
2005 Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros - unavailable
Deep, dark ruby color, explosive aromas of dark cherries and rhubarb pie aptly describe our 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir. After 15 months in French Oak, this intensely fl avored wine is showing beautifully. The grapes, planted entirely to the Hanzell clonal selection, were hand harvested from the de Leuze family vineyard in Carneros. This vineyard, certifi ed by the CCOF (California Certifi ed Organic Farmers), was intensively farmed and has been the backbone of our Reserve Pinot Noir since the inaugural release in 2001. Recently, we budded over the adjacent two acres to this wonderful, small berried clonal selection. Now with almost seven acres planted to this premium clone, we can look forward to sharing more of this wine with you in the future. Only 950 cases produced in 2005.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Double Gold Medal - Taster’s Guild International Wine Judging 2007
- Best of Class Gold - New World International Wine Competition 2007
- Highly Recommended - California Grapevine April-May 2007
- 4+ Stars - Excellent: -fl eshy, full bodied, rich, and lightly oaky; a wine with
good depth and character and a long fi nish , tasting of plum, baked cherry,
nutmeg, toast, and spicy oak. Certifi ed organic. 950 cases produced. [2007-
2009] - Ronn Wiegand, Restaurant Wine 2007
$50
2004 Pinot Noir, Carneros - Buy Now
Produced from 100% Pinot Noir, this wine was made exclusively from two vineyards in the cool Carneros appellation. The primary clonal selections are 667 and Swan, both of which produce fruit with very small berries. This gives us high skin to juice ratios producing a wine with added color and depth. During fermentation, we hand punched the cap every six hours to maximize extraction from the skins. Following fermentation the wine was barrel aged in 60 gallon French Oak barrels for 10 months before bottling. The natural elegance of this Pinot Noir is enhanced with the toasty, spicy character of the French oak barrels it which it was aged. This wine is currently showing a fantastic depth of fruit ranging from fresh cherries to ripe strawberries, and will age beautifully developing a velvety elegance that only Pinot Noir can embody.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Double Gold Medal - International Eastern Wine Competition 2006
$85
2004 Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros - Buy Now
Once again, the notoriously small bunches and berries of the Hanzell clone from ZD’s deLeuze Family Vineyard in Carneros have given us a wine of amazing color, depth and complexity. The Hanzell clone makes up about 70% of a seven acre block planted in 1996. This entire vineyard is dry farmed and has been farmed organically since 1996, and was officially certified in 1999. Additionally, in 2005, ZD Wines became one of only two wineries in Napa County to have their winemaking facility certified by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). The fruit was hand harvested on Aug 30th at optimal maturity. Fermentation occurs in small open top fermentors, and the “cap” was “punched down” every six hours during fermentation to ensure a gentle extraction of color and tannin. The wine was aged for 15 months in small French oak barrels, with minimal racking, and bottled in December 2005. In the aroma, ripe plum and black cherry mingle with hints of rhubarb, sweet vanilla and toast. On the palate, the wine is dense and rich with ample black and red fruits, well integrated oak, and silky smooth tannins that help carry the fruit to an amazingly long finish. Only 750 cases of this wine were produced.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal - Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition 2006
- 2 Puffs 91 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine July 2006
- Highly Recommended - California Grapevine June/July 2006
- 4+ Stars - Restaurant Wine May 2006
- Double Gold Medal - California State Fair Wine Competition 2006
- Gold Medal - International Eastern Wine Competition 2006
- Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition 2006
$55
2003 Pinot Noir, Carneros - Buy Now
With its dark ruby color and intense nose of ripe black cherries and plums, this 2003 ZD Pinot Noir is an excellent example of what Carneros Pinot Noir has to offer. this wine is sourced from two vineyards, ZDs own organically certified deLeuze Family Vineyard, and soon to be certified Haire Vineyard. The wine was aged in 100% French oak barrels for ten months. This wine exhibits aromas of black cherries, plum and spice, with well integrated vanilla, toast and a hint of clove. On the palate this wine really builds, offering layers of sweet briary cherry, cocoa, vanilla and plenty of silky smooth tannin. The fruit lingers through the surprisingly long finish. This wine is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop complexity with age. Cheers!!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2005
- Double Gold Medal - Tasters Guild 2005
- 91 Points - Wine News June/July 2005
- Highly Recommended - California Grapevine April/May 2005
$90
2003 Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros - sold out
The 2003 vintage marked the 35th Anniversary for ZD Wines, and we are very excited to offer this 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir. This wine is made exclusively from the Hanzel clone grown on our dry farmed, organically certified deLeuze Family Vineyard in Carneros. Fermentation in small open top fermentors, and hand punchdowns every six hours during fermentation ensure a gentle extraction of color and tannins. This wine was aged in small French oak barrels for 15 months. The dark ruby color and unctuous, sweet nose reminiscent of black cherries, plum and toast give way to an explosion of ripe fruit and tannin on the palate that lingers through the finish. The oak is well integrated with subtle hints of vanilla, clove and cedar. This surprising depth of color and flavor is due to the notoriously small bunches and berries of the Hanzel clone. Only 580 cases of this wine were produced. Enjoy!!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal - New World International Wine Competition 2005
- Gold Medal - Pacific Rim International Wine Competition 2005
$123
2002 Pinot Noir, Carneros - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
The fruit for the 2002 Carneros Pinot Noir was harvested from two vineyards in the highly esteemed Carneros appellation, including ZD’s own organically certified deLeuze Family Estate Vineyard. The fruit was hand harvested at optimal maturities and fermented in open top fermentors. Color and tannins were gently extracted by punching down the cap every six hours during the 4-6 day fermentation. The wine was then aged in 100% French Oak barrels for 10 months. This Pinot Noir has a medium ruby color, with aromas of ripe cherries, strawberry jam and sweet vanilla. On the palate the wine is loaded with a core of ripe, vibrant red fruits supported by silky well-integrated tannins, and the finish is surprisingly long. This wine is drinking beautifully now, but will age and gain complexity in the years to come. Enjoy!!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal- San Francisco International Wine Competition 2004
$95
2002 Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros - unavailable
We blended two lots to produce this reserve wine. 77% is from our deLeuze Family Vineyard in the Carneros of Napa. This block is planted to the low yielding Hanzel clone and is dry farmed and organically managed and certified. The rich depth of flavor is from this portion and it provides the backbone of the wine. The second lot was produced from Jim Haire’s vineyard in the Sonoma Carneros. This block is planted to clone 16 which gave us a forward cherry character resulting in an added layer of fresh fruit.
The deep dark red color introduces a Pinot Noir of surprising intensity. Rich aromas of ripe cherries and plums mingle with hints of leather and spicy French Oak. A complex of flavors fills the palate, flowing from velvety smoothness to a pleasing lingering aftertaste.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal- Tasters Guild International Wine Competition 2004
$65
2001 Pinot Noir, Carneros - Buy Now
This Pinot Noir begins beautifully in the glass with a deep garnet color. Rich aromas of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg are complimented by soft toasty oak. On the palate, plum and dried cherry fruit predominate, but notes of vanilla, clove and spice add to the wines complexity . Subtle hints of earth and toast balance the full texture and richness that lead into an incredibly long finish. Enjoy now or lay it down for a couple of years and experience the age ability of Carneros Pinot Noir.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
2001 Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros - unavailable
We enthusiastically present our first ZD Reserve Pinot Noir. This wine is a culmination of 33 years producing Pinot Noir from the Carneros region. In 1997 we planted 110-R rootstock at the de Leuze Family Vineyard in the Carneros region of Napa. The strong, deep roots allowed us to dry farm the vineyard for the last several years. The Hanzel clone, known for its propensity to produce small bunches of tiny berries, was hand selected from a local vineyard and field budded to the 110- R rootstock. Our organic farming techniques keep the soil healthy and the vines in beautiful balance. The result is a wine with impressive intensity and character.
The 2001 vintage started off with an early bud break and a severe frost in the spring. Our wind machines prevented significant damage and the season progressed favorably. The vines produced a moderate crop that we thinned to bring our yield to approximately 2 ½ tons to the acre. After an impressive fermentation that ran hot and fast, the wine went directly into French Oak barrels where it matured for 14 months. We bottled a total of 324 cases in January 2003 in our custom silkscreened bottle.
This 100% Pinot Noir owes its incredible depth of color to our low yielding vineyard and the punch down of the cap throughout the fermentation. The spicy complex aromas show hints of black cherries, cinnamon and an enticing richness. Similar flavors follow on the palate with intensity, complexity and a velvety softness.
- Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- 2 Puffs - Connoisseurs’ Guide October 2003
- Gold Medal - Orange County Fair Wine
- Best of Class/Best Pinot Noir/Gold Medal - Los Angeles County Fair
- Gold Medal - Riverside International Wine Competition
- Gold Medal - Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
$70
2000 Pinot Noir, Carneros - Buy Now
Big, ripe, seductive aromas of black cherry, raspberries and red plums make up the core of fruit in this latest ZD Pinot Noir. Subtle notes of vanilla, cinnamon, earth, spice and cedar integrate beautifully with the focused fruit. On the palate, the forward black cherry fruit is framed by lush, silky tannins and an impressively long toasty finish.
- Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Highly Recommended - California Grapevine Aug/Sept 2002
- Gold Medal - 2002 Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
- 88 Points - Wine Enthusiast Oct. 2002
- 88 Points - Pinot Report July 2002
