2022 Felix's Old Vine Zinfandel

Heritage Vines, Modern Excellence

Wine Details

Vintage: 2022

Alcohol: 15.1%

pH: 3.72

TA: 5.8 g/L

Residual Sugar: 1.2 g/L (Dry)

Production: 520 cases

Bottle Price: $52

Winemaking

Harvest Date: September 28, 2022

Barrel Aging: 18 months

Oak: 45% new French oak, 55% neutral

Toast Level: Medium+

Fermentation: Native yeast, concrete tanks

Bottling Date: March 22, 2024

Tasting Notes

Appearance Inky purple-ruby with garnet reflections. Full-bodied viscosity with pronounced legs coating the glass.

Nose Intensely aromatic with jammy blackberry, boysenberry, and cherry liqueur. Notes of vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, and clove intermingle with dried rose petals and a whisper of eucalyptus.

Palate Opulent and powerful. Concentrated flavors of black cherry preserves, blackberry pie, and dark plum. Mid-palate reveals mocha, toasted oak, and cracked black pepper with hints of star anise and graphite. Firm but integrated tannins provide structure.

Finish Remarkably long with evolving complexity. Waves of dark fruit, baking spices, and savory herbs persist. The warm vintage character shines through with rich, ripe fruit and elegant balance.

Food Pairing

This bold Zinfandel pairs beautifully with:

Grilled Meats BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, grilled lamb chops, or bacon-wrapped filet mignon

Italian Classics Lasagna, osso buco, wild boar ragu, or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano

Bold Flavors Spicy sausage pizza, blackened salmon, or mushroom risotto with truffle oil

Vintage Notes

2022 was a warm, dry vintage in Dry Creek Valley with an early bud break and extended growing season. Consistent temperatures through veraison allowed for excellent flavor development. The early harvest captured optimal ripeness while maintaining natural acidity. These heritage vines produced small, intensely concentrated clusters with exceptional phenolic maturity.

Drinking Window

Peak: 2025-2030
Drinking beautifully now, with potential for graceful aging through 2032.

Purchase This Wine

Available for purchase directly from Hillside Estate Winery

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