The 2014 Founder's Reserve Pinot Noir is yet another fine example of what careful vineyard management practices and gentle winemaking techniques can coax from a truly one of a kind vineyard site, ZD's Carneros Estate Vineyard. Despite continued record-breaking drought conditions and a 6.0 earthquake on August 24 (2 weeks before harvest!), the grapes for this wine were harvested without incident on September 10.

The small six acre Pinot Noir block has been dry farmed and organically certified since 1999, and has consistently yielded less than three tons per acre of incredibly intense, concentrated fruit from the notoriously small bunched, small berried Hanzell clonal selection. With gentle destemming, 30% whole berries, and hand punchdowns around the clock during fermentation, the unique terroir of this vineyard is expressed to its fullest. Minimal racking and aging in small French Oak cooperage for 15 months put the finishing touch on this truly elegant wine.

In the aroma, black cherry, cedar, and rhubarb mingle with hints of toasted nuts and clove. On the palate, the ripe core of fruit is enveloped in silky soft tannin and generous yet balanced acidity, which leads to an incredibly long, lush finish. This wine is an ongoing commemoration and tribute to ZD Wines' founder Norman deLeuze who is depicted on the front label.