Estate: Valley of the Moon is one of the oldest wineries in Sonoma County, California. Grapes were first planted in 1863, and the original stone barrel cellar, constructed by Eli Sheppard in 1887 for Madrone Vineyards, is still in use today. Brothers Enrico Parducci and Peter Domenici purchased the 60 acre estate in 1941. They renamed the estate Valley of the Moon in honor of its lengthy history in Sonoma Valley [Valley of the Moon is the English translation of the Native American word Sonoma]. Planted in the 1940’s, one of their Zinfandel vineyards has some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the region. The estate is also at the forefront of “up-and-coming wines” such as Barbera, Syrah, Sangiovese and Cuvée de la Luna, “a proprietary Bordeaux-inspired blend”.
Philosophy: “To at last honor the rich history of our Sonoma Valley winery, its true sense of place and sustained sense of purpose with wines of exceptional quality and of genuine provenance.”
Winemaking: The vineyards are noted for their rich volcanic soil and “distinctive ‘banana belt’ microclimate”. Sustainable and organic viticulture is practiced, with only natural soil amendments and pest control used.
Tasting Notes: Inky red violet in colour with aromas of cherry, white pepper and autumn woods. A rich cherry note runs thru to the finish, joining toasty oak, vanilla, black pepper and hints of caramel. Plush with a balanced use of oak, just be sure to decant for an hour or so to let those flavours plump up.
100% Zinfandel
Sonoma County
California
Produced and Bottled by Valley of the Moon Winery
15.1% Alcohol
$15
Enjoy now thru 2017
Valley of the Moon – truly special wine, and place. Thanks for sharing – cheers!
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