VINEYARD: Originally settled by an Italian family in the late 1800s, Grist Vineyard is now owned by Sonoma County’s Hambrecht family. This Dry Creek Valley property is on the northwestern slope of Bradford Mountain at an elevation of 1,000 feet. The volcanic, red soils — Boomer loam and Stonyford loam — are reminiscent of Tuscany’s terra rosa. We source Zinfandel fruit from 30 of the 51 total acres, which were planted in 1974. Though there is some debate, the Zinfandel vines are thought to be from the “mother” blocks planted in 1900, the Hambrecht/Mead Atlas Peak clones.
TASTING NOTES:Dark, concentrated aromas of ripe plum, blueberry, and blackberry jam quickly lift from the glass. Classic Grist Zinfandel notes of eucalyptus, mint, and dried flowers compliment the lush fruit profile. The mouthfeel displays round berry flavors upon entry and through the mid-palate, while being balanced with generous natural acidity. Silky wood tannins integrate beautifully with the varietal character of the wine and provide an exceptionally long finish.
Grist Vineyard
DISTANCE FROM WINERY
17.3 miles
SIZE
51 acres planted to Zinfandel
GROWERS
Hambrecht, OwnerChris Walden, Vineyard Manager
VARIETALS SOURCED HERE
Zinfandel
CLONE/ROOTSTOCK INFO
Zinfandel: Heritage selection (Mead Atlas Peak), planted on St. George rootstock
SOILS
Boomer loam and Stonyford loam
SITE DESCRIPTION
Originally settled by an Italian family in the late 1800s, Grist Vineyard (formerly known as Bradford Mountain) is now owned by the Hambrecht family. Located on the northwestern side of Dry Creek Valley at about 1,000 feet elevation, the site’s volcanic, red soils are reminiscent of Tuscany’s terra rosa. The Zinfandel vines are thought to be from the “mother” blocks planted in 1900 to the Hambrecht/Mead Atlas Peak clone.
FRUIT CHARACTER
Zinfandel: Complex, aromatic and intense, dark fruit aromas of blackberry and Marion berry with layers of cardamom, Asian spices and robust tannins