This is a self-rooted Zinfandel vine planted around 1900, nearly 120 years old. It is located in Contra Costa County, adjacent to the east of San Pablo Bay, where the cool breezes from the bay help to alleviate the heat. The soil is 12m deep in sand, so phylloxera cannot survive, and the vines are grown on their own roots without the use of rootstocks. The grape bunches grow close to the ground, and the insulating effect of the sand gives the vines a unique, soft flavor. It features vibrant, ripe fruit flavors, plenty of spice, excellent acidity, and supple, soft tannins. Production volume: 226 cases per year
Technical information
Brewing: Fermentation in open redwood barrels used in the 1980s (soft finish), natural yeast, all by hand, aged in French barrels (25% new barrels)
Comment from Joel Peterson
This is a self-rooted Zinfandel vine planted around 1900 that is nearly 120 years old.
The branches grow out from the deep sand here, resembling the Hydra (the nine-headed sea serpent) from Greek mythology.
It's a real bush vine.
Unlike other California Zinfandels, the bunches grow close to the ground, providing protection from the strong winds that blow off Mount Diablo and shade from the intense midday sun.
At night, the gentle warmth provided by the sand helps the grapes to ripen gently, resulting in the soft flavor that is unique to sandy soil.
The wine is bright, with flavors of ripe fruit, plenty of spice, excellent acidity and supple, soft tannins.
The 2018 vintage is full-bodied, mellow and rich with plenty of red and black fruit flavors.
Very well balanced, with smooth and fine tannins, combining elegance and power.
Field Information
Oakley Road Vineyards
It is located in Contra Costa County, adjacent to the eastern edge of San Pablo Bay, south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and east of Mount Diablo.
Although it is often thought of as a hot area, the cool breezes from San Pablo Bay blow in off Mount Diablo, mitigating the heat.
Due to the deep sandy soil, 12m below the surface, phylloxera cannot survive, and the plant grows on its own roots without using rootstocks. Currently, it is a residential city near San Francisco, and land is being bought up in preparation for the expansion of large power facilities and the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).
In other words, the number of vineyards is decreasing, and vineyards of old vines of minor varieties other than Chardonnay and Cabernet are becoming very few and rare.
This is a 120-year-old, own-rooted Zinfandel vine planted around 1900.
Deep sandy field
Vintage: 2018
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main varieties: Zinfandel 90%,
Blend: Carignan & Mataro 10%
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Contra Costa County
Vineyard: Oakley Road Vineyard
Notes: Limited stock vinous 92+P Jan.2020 by Antonio Galloni
Winemaker: Joel Peterson
Vinification: Fermented with wild yeast in open redwood barrels
Aging: French barrel aging (25% new barrels)
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.6%