2020 J Dusi Zinfandel 'Dante Dusi Vineyard'

Paso Robles, California

In the Templeton Gap AVA of Paso Robles, this historic vineyard was planted in 1945. Dante Dusi Vineyard is head trained and has been dry farmed by five generations of the Dusi Family. Janell Dusi is a 4th generation farmer and is the first of the family to go beyond farming to produce wines from the Dusi Vineyards. She honors her heritage by winemaking in the most native form; handpicking, hand sorting and stomping her wines by foot. Her signature style is continued with non-invasive wine handling and gentle barrel aging in a combination of new French and American oak. Newer barrels are rounded out with neutral barrels to create wines that respect and reveal the natural varietal characteristics of Zinfandel. The brambleberry beat is unmistakable. Those who are familiar with this vineyard could pick this wine out of line up (probably blind folded). Recognizable dark berries and bittersweet chocolate at first glance. Its ample mid palate is laced with black currant, plum and pomegranate. Its finish brings the earth and spice home.

94 points, Decanter Magazine. "Deep ruby hue. Concentrated sweet ripe black fruit aromas, reminiscent of bramble-picking from hedgerows, with an undercurrent of leaf and briar. The palate is equally brimming with freshly picked fruit: blue, red and dark berry flavours but also an impressive concentration of mineral earth – almost a ferrous quality that elevates the wine to a much more profound liquid. Tannins are densely woven but supple, the alcohol brings sucrosity rather than heat, and is held in check by a fresh seam of acidity. Very complete wine. The finish is long and highly flavoured, and when the flavours finally fade, you’re still left with a sensation of elegant power. A wine that will age beautifully for a decade or more. Drinking Window 2020 - 2035."