This 2017 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir was sourced exclusively from ZD’s organically certified Carneros Estate, and beautifully conveys the efforts we make both in the vineyard and in our winemaking. Our estate vineyard has once again rewarded us with a wine that is focused on the purity of fruit and the full expression of the unique terroir.

This release is the unveiling of ZD’s redesigned packaging that includes the commemorative photo of Founder Norman deLeuze on the front label, which is an ongoing tribute to his legacy and our 50 years of winemaking as a family owned and operated winery.

The small bunches and berries from the Hanzell clonal selection, with its low yields producing less than 2 tons per acre, have added a nuanced complexity to this wine. In the cellar, careful winemaking practices amplify the efforts to showcase an elegant wine. Gentle de-stemming, fermentation in small open-top tanks, and hand punch downs every six hours provided a great extraction of flavor, color, and tannin. Minimal racking and aging in small toasted French Oak barrels for 15 months puts the final touch on this stunning wine.

Aromas of ripe plum and black cherry complement subtle hints of rhubarb, toasted hazelnuts, sweet vanillin, and cedar. On the palate, there is plenty of dense ripe fruit, rounded out by a wonderful savory balance. A wine to be enjoyed now or held onto for many years to come. Less than 30 barrels were produced. Cheers!