One of the oldest remaining vineyards in the Olivet Rd region of the Russian River Valley, Saitone was planted in 1895 by Antonio Saitone and is now farmed by Ulises Valdez. Located just under a mile from the DeLoach estate, the head pruned vines are farmed without trellising or irrigation and produce tiny, concentrated berries that can take until the end of October to fully ripen.
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Location
Of the nearly 17 acres of old vines planted, Zinfandel, Alicante and Bouschet are the most abundant while French Colombard, Petit Bouschet and Grand Noir can be found sprinkled among the various blocks. Typical of the time period in which the vineyard was planted, wines produced from the vineyard tend to largely be field blends comprised of a dominant varietal (usually Zinfandel) that is accompanied by smaller amounts of the various varietals that were picked simultaneously and co-fermented.
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Winemaking
The grapes were hand-harvested and then fermented in both closed and open-top vats using techniques that encourage the natural spice and fruit characteristics found in Zinfandel. The must was then pressed to settle in tank and aerobically racked before being transferred to barrels for aging.
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Nose
The wine is bright and crisp with cherry and blackberry aromas accented with a perfect touch of spice.
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Palate
The Saitone Vineyard Zinfandel is layered and full on the palate, with a long spicy finish. While delicious now, this wine will age well for those with the patience to cellar it. Try it alongside a grilled steak or a hearty pot roast.
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