The 2013 harvest marked ZD’s 45th vintage, a fantastic milestone. On top of that, we had an excellent growing season that made for all-around success in the cellar. Jim Haire’s organically farmed Carneros vineyard, certified since 2006, gave us the perfect opportunity to highlight what Carneros Pinot Noir has to offer.

Our Pinot Noir fruit was hand-picked and fermented in small, open-top stainless steel tanks. Hand punchdowns every six hours during fermentation ensured a gentle extraction of color and tannin, and 10 months in 100% French oak barrels resulted in just the right depth and complexity.

Medium ruby color and a bouquet of ripe cherry and strawberry with subtle hints of vanilla give way to a lush, silky palate with more bright, red fruit and undertones of mulling spices. This wine has a balance of acidity and tannin that should provide great aging potential.