Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The April Zinfandel of the Month is the 2014 Limerick 1023.
I chose the 1023 quite simply because it is the best “Zinfandel” I have had so far this year and the current version is still available at the winery. The wine is technically a red blend as there is less than 75% Zinfandel in the bottle.
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.
The property is just south of Healdsburg at the end of Limerick Lane. The vineyard was planted around 1910 by Mario Del Fava and has only been farmed by 3 families in the last 100 years. The fruit goes to Limerick Lane, Carlisle, AldenAlli, Matthiasson and Bedrock.
1023 is a blend of the most dramatic, the most striking and compelling lots that Limerick Lane produces in a given vintage. Blended without varietal restriction, the goal is quite simply to produce the best wine possible. 1023 is also a reference to the winery address at 1023 Limerick Lane.
Opaque purple in color. 15.2% ABV. 52% Zinfandel, 45% Syrah and 3% Grenache. Savory, Syrah dominant nose of black fruits, baking spices, leather and barbecued meats. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. On the palate the bright Zinfandel fruit shines. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry liqueur, cherry pie and white pepper. The finish is long and seamless with discernible tannins. Compelling wine where the Zin and Syrah play different parts but blend so well. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 95 points.
This 2016 version was recently released and is $72 at the winery and retail.
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 and A Visit to Limerick Lane.