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Chocolate covered cherries and wild raspberries at 120 years and counting...

July 8, 2022 15:21

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Looking (and tasting!) great at 120 years old...
Morelli Lane Vineyard Zinfandel
 

We feel so fortunate to be able to craft wine from these old bonsai-like vines, and are constantly amazed that something so gnarly and ancient produces fruit that bursts with gobs of berries and luscious spicy notes.

When the last remaining Morelli family member at the property was asked in 1995 (when Dutton Ranch started leasing the vineyard) how old the vineyard was, he replied, "I used to prune the vines when I was a kid, and they were already old then." He was 95 at the time, so we date the vineyard to sometime between the 1880s and 1900. While we don't specificy "old vine" on the label, since there isn't a specific measurement used for that designation, this site definitely qualifies! 

The velvety plushness of our 2018 Morelli Lane Zinfandel is apparent right from the first sniff, luring you into the glass. Aromas of chocolate covered cherries and wild raspberries are underlain with violets and baking spices, topped off with a fresh brightness. The mouth is sweet and supple, with luscious raspberry compote leading the way, followed by lavender, nutmeg, and white pepper notes. A vibrant and persistent finish carries the flavors to a balanced and complex end. Baby back ribs or rack of lamb would make great matches, providing an equally rich partner, while a butternut squash ravioli would play up with the sweet nature of the wine. For cheeses, go with big flavors like an aged Gouda, Parmesan, or a well-aged cheddar.

2018 Morelli Lane Vineyard Zinfandel

$50
($42.50 for Discovery Club members)
 


 

Our half-price summer overnight shipping special is still in effect on all our wines! 
use code WINENOW when you choose Overnight Shipping at checkout.
 


Upcoming Events

Love of the Land
July 13, 2022
4:30 p.m. – Reception, 6:15 p.m. – Dinner
The Pavilion at Richard’s Grove – 3575 Slusser Rd., Windsor

Love of the Land is a mid-summer celebration honoring agricultural award winners who are leading the way to preserve Sonoma County’s rich farming heritage. The event begins with a tasting of Sonoma County wine and food. A dinner buffet featuring an array of Sonoma County-grown products follows the reception. The main event is a special program where members of the agriculture community are honored. Special awards include Farm Bureau Hall of Fame, Farm Family of the Year, Luther Burbank Conservation Award, and Friend of Farm Bureau. Funds raised from this event further the organization’s goal of preserving agricultural lands, providing agriculture education for youth of all ages, and protecting clean water for the future.

The reception will also include a silent auction and a dinner buffet featuring an array of Sonoma County-grown products. Dinner will be followed by the awards presentation and live auction. Purchase your tickets here.
 

On August 13, we are participating in the Petaluma Gap Wind to Wine Festival. Come see us! This promises to be a very special event, where we'll be serving our Petaluma Gap wines in a rustic and gorgeous setting. VIP entry will begin at 1 PM and General Admission at 2 PM. To keep this event safe, comfortable, and more intimate than other tasting events, attendance is capped.  If you haven't already purchased, get your tickets soon before they sell out.

Winemakers will be sharing their most interesting winemaking tales in the “story room” inside the historic barn at the ranch. Event attendees will enjoy delicious bites from OTL Fine Catering, and a gourmet popcorn booth, featuring flavored popcorn to pair with Petaluma Gap wines, hosted by the Presenting Sponsor American AgCredit. For entertainment, guests will be treated to the masterful classical and Flamenco guitar sounds of Bay Area musician Mark Taylor. Firefighters from the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department will be on-site to share tips on fire safety and showcase one of their fire engines.

 

 


Was your 4th of July holiday weekend as much fun as ours? With summer in full swing, we hope your travel plans will bring you to Sonoma County and our patio. You can book your reservation here, or just take a chance and stop by if you're in the neighborhood—we're always happy to fit you in if availability allows.

Your friends at DG


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: in the cellar, vineyards, harvest
Categories: In the Vineyards | In the Cellar
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