In 1996, the deLeuze family purchased a 30 acre vineyard parcel in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Today, this vineyard is planted to both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and provides the grapes for ZD’s Reserve wines. The Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir is exclusively from the Hanzell clone parcel, which produces wines that display great depth of flavor.

The Carneros Estate vineyard is organically farmed with careful attention paid to eco practices and building healthier soils creating a wonderful biodiversity in the vineyard. The 2011 Founder's Reserve Pinot Noir has a beautiful ruby/garnet color with aromas of black cherry, rhubarb, cedar and a hint of toasted hazelnut. The palate is rich and full bodied with copious amounts of ripe plum, cherry and spice. The tannins are soft and lush, and toasty French Oak is integrated beautifully. This wine is an ongoing commemoration to ZD’s Founder, Norman deLeuze and a tribute to his favorite varietal, Pinot Noir.