2006 St. Francis "Old Vines" Zinfandel

If you’re a fan of big, bold California wines, then you’ll enjoy the 2006 St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel. I’ve had this zinfandel on several occasions but this is the first time I’ve thought to write about it.

Founded in 1971, the St. Francis Winery is located near the southern tip of the Sonoma Valley at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains. (map) Under the direction of master winemaker, Tom Mackey, they are known for their Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also produce a series of premium red and white wines under the “Wild Oak” label.

For the 2006 OVZ, St. Francis sources their grapes from over fourteen different vineyards in the Sonoma Valley. Other varietals, such as Alicante Buschet, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Carignan grow alongside Zinfandel vines creating what’s known as a "field blend" which add color and texture the final wine. The name “Old Vines” comes from the fact that the Zinfandel vines used to produce this powerhouse are anywhere from 60 to 110 years old! As vines get older they produce fewer and fewer grapes, but what they lack in production is made up for with fruit that has richer and more concentrated flavors. St. Francis also goes to great lengths to ensure the grapes are “dry farmed” using only natural rainfall for irrigation. The warm climate of the Sonoma Valley combined with the lack of irrigation forces the vines to struggle, concentrating the flavors within the grapes even further. The winemakers then take advantage of the region’s long growing season and hand pick only the richest, ripest fruit. The juice is fermented in stainless steel and aged in American Oak for fifteen months to create an intense, high alcohol wine (15.5% ABV) with well balanced flavors and chewy tannins.

This wine has all of the hallmarks of a powerful Zinfandel. Hidden inside its dark reddish-purple color are strong aromas of black cherries and spicy oak revealing evidence its time spent in oak barrels. As you swirl the wine in the glass you notice an almost port-like viscosity indicating its high alcohol content. Jammy flavors of black cherries, blackberries, and spicy pepper dance around in your mouth balancing out the heat of alcohol. Ample tannins with hints of chocolate and vanilla combine with the fruit to close out the finish. This wine should age nicely for at least the next 5-10 years.

In August 2009, Food and Wine Magazine described the 2006 OVZ as “…the epitome of supercharged California Zinfandel…”

2006 St. Francis "Old Vines" Zinfandel

Zinfandel (field blend)

Sonoma County, CA)

St. Francis Fact Sheet