The Zin grapes come from a vineyard planted in 1922 at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Has the body and acidity quite like a medium bodies Pinot Noir. Bright nose of red fruits and orange citrus with green tea and white pepper. Taste summer raspberries on the vine, dark strawberry, dried ginger and violets. This is super-pretty, great at the dinner table, and not what most expect from an old-vine Zin as it’s brighter and relatively restrained compared to most.
About Birichino
Birichino is co-owned and co-made by Alex Krause and John Locke. Their vineyard sources are tucked away in some of California’s lesser-known, great areas that all have a storied history of winegrowing. Alex and John are into minimal intervention as long as it doesn’t compromise the health and deliciousness of the wine. Also, ALL of their wines are ridiculously good values. They recently opened a tasting room in Downtown Santa Cruz (I visited it in February-great little place, and they both work behind the bar when it’s not harvest time). Pay them a visit (open Thursday thru Sunday currently).
Check out all the Birichino Wines reviewed on DDWA here.
