Limerick Lane Cellars 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. Several years ago the winery was sold again to Karen Francis DeGolia.
Karen purchased Limerick Lane from Jake Bilbro in 2022 but her history with the winery dates back to the early 90’s. Karen was engaged to Limerick Lane founder and winemaker Tom Collins. When Tom unexpectedly passed away Karen moved away to pursue other interests. Karen returned to Limerick Lane in 2002 in a variety of roles before leaving again in 2004. When Jake put the winery up for sale during the pandemic Karen jumped at the chance to buy it. Chris Pittenger is the Winemaker at Limerick Lane.
The vineyard is just south of Healdsburg at the end of Limerick Lane. The 1910 Block is the oldest still producing block in the vineyard.
Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. 98% Zinfandel and 2% Petite Sirah. Soaring nose of red fruits, citrus, licorice and pepper. Medium body with perfect acidity and exceptional balance. Incredibly elegant with an abundance of bright fruits. Cherry, raspberry, blood orange and white pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Limerick Lane has always been about finesse over power and this Zinfandel exemplifies that. Drink over the next several years.
My rating: 94 points.
The 2022 version is available at the winery for $68.
Limerick Lane Cellars is one of the very best Zinfandel producers in the Russian River Valley. The winery has not missed a beat with Karen Francis DeGolia running the show. I look forward to following the winery in the years to come.