J Rickards Zinfandel Alexander Valley 2007 - The Ancestor Selections vineyard was planted to honor the century-old Alexander Valley practice of winegrape growing. Cuttings were taken from old vines originally grown by families Pastori, Brignoli, Nervo, Vasconi, Mazzoni, Pachetti, and Osborn. In addition to the Zinfandel, the field blend also includes small percentages of Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouchet, Mourvedre (Mataro) and Muscat Canelli.
The resulting wine is a classic Zinfandel, with aromas of berries and spice and a black pepper backbone. Softened tannins are in balance with the fruit and acid components, attained by 20-month aging in French and American oak barrels.
Double Gold Medal - 2011 San Diego Int'l Wine Competition