We are excited to release our 2021 Founder’s Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir! After another growing season with very little rainfall and moderate weather throughout, the vines adapted quite well. While the crop was light in most vineyards, the clusters and berries were also small and packed with intense flavor and bright, natural acidity.

This wine was sourced exclusively from ZD’s own organically certified Carneros Estate Vineyard using the 667 and Hanzell clonal selections. This vineyard has been the core of our Reserve Pinot Noir program, producing small bunches and tiny berries that lead to incredibly complex, concentrated wines. Gentle winemaking practices in the cellar, including hand punchdowns during fermentation, complement the hard work done in the vineyard. Minimal racking and 15 months of aging in French Oak barrels put the finishing touch on this exquisite wine.

Aromas of bright black cherry, strawberry, and nutmeg leap from the glass, and are complemented with clove, sarsaparilla, and a hint of cedar. This wine has tremendous complexity and is big and ripe with the influence of the 667 clone. Great balance and a luscious texture lead into a long, full-flavored finish. Only 31 barrels were produced.