Description
Winemakers Notes
Located in the Cucamonga Valley in southern California 70 miles inland from Los Angeles, Jose Lopez Vineyard was planted in 1918 for “packing grapes” to ship to home winemakers in Chicago and the East. These old Zinfandel vines struggle in the near desert-like conditions; with rocky-sandy soil that holds very little water. After nine decades, they have only grown to about 18 inches tall, and have just a few tiny fist-sized clusters on each vine. Many of the old vineyards in this valley have fallen victim to urban sprawl. We are fortunate that Don Galleano is passionate about keeping this old vineyard alive despite its rather poor economic returns—only a half a ton per acre instead of the expected 2-4 tons per acre of younger, irrigated vineyards. Through Don’s dedicated efforts, this vineyard passed the rigid CCOF standards in 2004, and is officially organically grown.
Critical Acclaim
89 points Wine Enthusiast
Made from dry-farmed, low-yield vines planted in 1918 in what was a leading growing area at the time of Prohibition, this brings aromas of burnt orange, mint and black cherry to the nose. It’s a smooth sipper, with menthol, toasted oak and cigar smoke emerging on the palate. — Matt Kettmann
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