| Gamba |
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It’s not often that one gets the opportunity to taste real, old vine Zinfandel from California, let alone from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. This estate vineyard has been in the Gamba family for over 50 years, though the original vineyard was planted in 1900. The vines have been organically dry farmed for over 100 years and they produce only a very limited yield of highly concentrated fruit. “The 2004 Zinfandel Old Vine, a blend of 96% Zinfandel and 4% Petite Sirah possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as notes of black currants, plums, and briery mountain fruit. With medium to full body, good sweetness, impressive texture, well-integrated acidity and wood, and a long, heady finish, this is a classic Zinfandel to drink over the next 4-5 years.” –Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (Issue 165), 90pts
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| Longboard Winery |
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 “Surfing is part sport, part meditation and all working within, rather
than against, nature. Winemaking? Pretty similar approach.” Such is the
Longboard Winery philosophy of winemaking. Longboard was born from the desire
and passion of Oded Shakked, surfer first, winemaker later, to make pure, fresh,
full-bodied wines from the diverse Russian River Valley. Oded
was born and raised in Israel, holds a degree in Enology from UC Davis and
did winemaking stints in France and Uruguay. The Longboardians source some
of the finest fruit in the area such as Rochioli Cabernet, Syrah from DaKine
(meaning “the best” in Hawaiian Pidgin) as well as Syrah from the
Preston Ranch. Longboard wines are rich and ripe but they’re not typically
California in the way of big oak and big tannins. These wines have acid and
they are full of solid, character-rich fruit from one of the great growing
areas in the state. Make sure to taste the Pinot Noir— great flavor;
incredible value. |
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