Limerick Lane Winery is in the Russian River Valley just south of the town of Healdsburg.The Del Fava family planted the oldest currently producing vineyard at Limerick Lane in 1910, a field blend consisting mostly of Zinfandel. In 1977, the Del Favas sold their thirty acre property to brothers Michael and Tom Collins. The two brothers began by selling some of the grapes to local wineries including De Loach, Ravenswood and Gary Farrell. In 1985, Limerick Lane Cellars was created. By 2009, Mike Collins was ready to sell and asked his neighbor Jake Bilbro if he would like to buy Limerick Lane and the Collins Vineyard. For two years Jake pitched nearly every bank in California before a local bank in Healdsburg finally agreed to give him the loan. Jake’s brother Scot is the current winemaker.
Bright crimson in color. 14.6% ABV. Super nose of black fruits, tar and black pepper. Loads of fruit on the palate with a creamy texture and juicy acidity. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry liqueur and pepper. The wine has a strong finish with subtle tannins. Drink over the next 4-6 years. Bodes well for some of the higher end Zins from Limerick Lane in this vintage.
My rating: 92 points.
I’ve been following Limerick Lane since the early 90’s. Consistently delicious Zins and the vineyard could not be in better hands right now. The mailing list here is highly recommended.
I blogged about Limerick Lane Vineyard previously in Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards.
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