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.
Limerick Lane was recently sold again. More on that to come.
The property is just south of Healdsburg at the end of Limerick Lane. The fruit goes to Limerick Lane, Carlisle, AldenAlli, Matthiasson and Bedrock. Interplanted with historic mixed black varieties, the likes of Peloursin, Negrette, Alicante Bouchet, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, the 1910 Block is not only historic, but it is also completely unique in its percentage of varieties planted.
Bright crimson in color. 15.1% ABV. Riveting nose of red and black fruits, cocoa, licorice and pepper. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity. Tremendous purity of fruit. Blackberry, raspberry, plums and spice on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with drying tannins. Big Zinfandel from the best part of Limerick Lane Vineyard. The wine has the balance, structure and concentration to drink well for at least another 2-4 years.
My rating: 94 points.
The 2020 version of this wine is highly recommended and available on the winery website for $68.
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 although I will be monitoring the new ownership situation closly. The mailing list here is highly recommended.