Saucelito Canyon crafts its coveted, extremely limited production Estate 1880 Zinfandel ($70) from truly “ancient” estate vines. Planted 132 years ago, they are among California’s oldest, producing small berries with zestful flavor concentrations. The 1880 zin is Saucelito’s spiciest with cola berries, along with cherry and blackberry on the nose. The smoothness and bright acidity is partially achieved through lightly toasted oak. The 1880 is a classic example of an exceptionally fine wine that’s deliciously drinkable off the shelf, but laid down for a year or two, it just gets better and better. Winemaker, Tom Greenough, says, “Zinfandel is the California wine and working with our ancient vines is a challenging but a rewarding pleasure.”
Saucelito Canyon Vineyard 3080 Biddle Ranch Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Saucelitocanyon.com
Listen to interview with Winemaker Tom Greenough from NPR affiliate KCBX Audiolog podcast with host, Tom Wilmer: