In 1967 Joseph Swan purchased a small farm on Laguna Road near the town of Forestville in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. The property consisted of 13 acres of old Zinfandel vines, fruit trees and pasture along with several structures including an old barn and a nearly 100 year old house. In 1968 Joe made wine from the few remaining Zinfandel vines. Joe passed away in 1989 The winery is currently owned and operated by Rod and Lynn Berglund. The winery makes a wide array of wine but is perhaps best known for it’s Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
VHSR is a small plot of Zinfandel on Vine Hill School Road in the Laguna Ridge neighborhood a mile south of the winery. This was the wineries second time using Zinfandel vines from this area thus the name VHSR Redux.
Crimson in color. 14.7% ABV. Heady nose of ripe red fruits, licorice and pepper. Medium body with strong acidity. Claret style Zinfandel that is bursting with bright, sweet fruits. Mulberry, cherry liqueur, baking spice and pepper on the palate. Nice length on the finish. Delicious Zinfandel from an under the radar producer. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 91 points.
The wines of Joseph Swan Vineyards are well made and fairly priced. The winery is worth a visit when you are next in the area.