VINTAGE
Picnic Hill Zinfandel has been our flagship offering since the winery’s founding in 1973. It remains a benchmark for premium Zinfandel from the California Shenandoah Valley: deep rich fruit, spice, and full of aging potential, yet equally enjoyed in its youth. The 2015 vintage experienced one of the hottest summers on record, a shortened growing season, and one of the earliest harvets we've had in 30 years. Aged for 17 months in oak (35% new oak), this wine will begin to open up in 2018 and age for 10-12 years.
VINEYARD
Planted in 1896 on its own rootstock, the vineyard continues to be quite vigorous in normal rain years - even with dry-farming and head pruning. Employing aggressive cane thinning and canopy management, this 120-year old vineyard consistently produces 3-4 tons per acre. The 7-acre vineyard is planted on a south-facing slope composed primarily of decomposed granite and iron rich soil. The resulting fruit is concentrated and complex.
TASTE
Aromas of nutmeg, dark chocolate, and cherry liqueur followed by cedar, tobacco, and a hint of black pepper. Flavors of raspberries, cocoa, and cola explode in the mouth followed by a smooth finish full of spice and tannins.
