Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel 2023

Region and Vineyards

Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel 2023 comes from Sonoma County, one of California's most respected regions for Zinfandel. The wine draws on exceptional mature vineyards, with Seghesio defining "Old Vine" as vines at least 50 years old and sourcing fruit from sites closer to 75 years old on average. These older vines naturally deliver smaller crops, deep root systems and fruit of notable aromatic concentration.

The 2023 season began with abundant rainfall, creating both refreshed soils and practical challenges in the vineyard. As the weather turned sunny, Seghesio used regenerative vineyard practices, including active soil-root management, vineyard crimpers, cover crops and needs-based fungicide decisions. Cool nights, mild afternoons and the absence of extreme heat supported a smooth harvest of high-quality fruit between 28 September and 18 October 2023.

Winemaking

The 2023 Old Vine Zinfandel is composed of 83% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane, 3% Alicante Bouschet and 2% mixed reds. The grapes were harvested and sorted by hand to ensure evenly ripe fruit reached the winery. After a light crush, fermentation took place in small open-top stainless-steel tanks, with pneumatic punch-downs for extraction and pump-overs to encourage gentle aeration.

After 8 to 12 days on the skins, the free-run wine was drained to barrel, where it completed alcoholic fermentation and underwent malolactic conversion. The wines evolved for 10 months before blending, then returned to barrel for a further 5 months of integration before bottling. Ageing lasted 14 months in 17% new French oak, with the balance in neutral French and American oak. Alcohol is 15%, with a pH of 3.78 and total acidity of 6.06 g/L.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a dark crimson core, showing the density and concentration typical of old-vine Zinfandel.
• Aroma: Black plum, dried fig, red raspberry, blackberry and black cherry are layered with clay earth, garrigue, cardamom, cinnamon, baking spice and a hint of chocolate cherry cordial.
• Palate: Luscious and mouth-filling, with ripe briary fruit, supple acidity and plush tannins. Petite Sirah adds depth and structure, Carignane brings freshness, and the old-vine Zinfandel core gives richness, spice and a velvety finish with age-worthy grip.

Did you know?

Seghesio's story began in 1895, when Italian immigrants Edoardo and Angela Seghesio planted Zinfandel in Sonoma. More than 130 years later, the estate remains closely associated with heritage vines and Zinfandel, including original founding blocks at Home Ranch Vineyard.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef braciole: The wine's dark fruit and cardamom-spiced warmth work beautifully with slow-cooked beef, tomato richness and herbs.
• Mushroom sugo with pappardelle: Earthy mushrooms echo the wine's clay, garrigue and spice notes, while the acidity refreshes the palate.
• Cherry balsamic pork tenderloin: Cherry and balsamic tones mirror the wine's black cherry and raspberry profile, creating a generous sweet-savory harmony.
• Smoked brisket: The wine's plush tannins, blackberry fruit and baking spice match smoke, caramelized edges and richly textured beef.

History of Seghesio Family Vineyards

The history of Seghesio Family Vineyards began in 1895, when Edoardo Seghesio, an Italian immigrant from Piedmont, planted his first Zinfandel vines at the Home Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley. Edoardo’s ambition was to bring the robust winemaking traditions of Italy to California’s fertile soils. His efforts laid the foundation for the family’s legacy of producing high-quality wines, particularly Zinfandel.

During Prohibition, the family adapted by producing sacramental and table wines, preserving the vineyards through challenging times. In the mid-20th century, Edoardo’s son, Angelo Seghesio, expanded the winery's holdings and introduced innovative vineyard techniques. By the 1990s, Seghesio was recognized as one of Sonoma’s premier Zinfandel producers, with their old-vine vineyards producing wines of exceptional character and depth.

Today, under the stewardship of the fourth and fifth generations, the Seghesio family combines their heritage with sustainable practices, ensuring the vineyards continue to thrive. The winery’s inclusion in the Crimson Wine Group since 2011 has enabled continued growth while maintaining its family values and traditions.

Region and Vineyards

Seghesio’s vineyards span 300+ acres across Sonoma County, encompassing appellations such as Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley. These regions provide a range of microclimates and soils that allow for a diverse portfolio of wines, though Zinfandel remains the flagship.

The historic Home Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley is the heart of Seghesio’s identity. Planted in 1895, it features some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California, still producing small, concentrated yields with remarkable intensity. The Montafi Vineyard in Russian River Valley, planted with 94-year-old Zinfandel vines, further demonstrates Seghesio’s commitment to preserving heritage sites.

The terroirs range from the gravelly loam soils of Dry Creek Valley, which provide excellent drainage, to volcanic and sandy soils in other regions, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines. The cool Pacific breezes temper the heat, resulting in wines that balance ripe fruit with refreshing acidity.

Sustainability is integral to Seghesio’s approach, with all vineyards Certified Sustainable. Practices include planting cover crops, eliminating synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, and fostering biodiversity through natural predator habitats.

Wine Range

Seghesio Family Vineyards offers a diverse portfolio of wines, including:

• Seghesio Sonoma Chardonnay: A modern take on California Chardonnay, offering vibrant acidity, rich citrus and stone fruit flavors, and a hint of oak for added complexity.
• Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel: A flagship wine showcasing the bold and juicy character of Sonoma Zinfandel, with wild blackberry, savory spices, and a long, persistent finish.
• Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel: Made from vines averaging 75 years of age, this wine delivers concentrated wild berry flavors, subtle spices, and velvety tannins, reflecting the power and elegance of old vines.
• Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel: A Dry Creek Valley classic with vibrant blue fruit, delicate spices, and an elegant structure, showcasing the gravelly loam soils that define the vineyard’s terroir.

Did you know?

Seghesio Family Vineyards has been instrumental in preserving California’s old-vine Zinfandel vineyards, ensuring these historic vines remain productive for future generations. Their focus on Zinfandel has helped elevate its status, showcasing the variety as one of the most iconic expressions of Sonoma terroir.