We are excited to release our 2023 Founder’s Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir! The 2023 vintage was distinct for our Estate Pinot Noir. A cold winter and above-average rainfall led into a cool spring, which delayed our growing season by over three weeks. Typically, the intoxicating aromas of fermenting Pinot Noir fill our cellar in early September. In 2023, however, our Founder’s Reserve Pinot stayed on the vine until the last day of October. This extended hangtime resulted in a fantastic concentration of flavors, while the mild temperatures preserved freshness and balance.

This wine was sourced exclusively from ZD’s own organically certified Carneros Estate Vineyard Hanzell clonal selection. This vineyard has been the core of our Reserve Pinot Noir program, producing small bunches and tiny berries that yield 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 ripe strawberry, rhubarb pie, and hazelnut leap from the glass, and are complemented with clove, sarsaparilla, and a hint of cedar. Great balance, ripe red fruit, earthy complexity, and silky tannins lead into a long, full-flavored finish. Only 13 barrels were produced.