This old vine vineyard in Alexander Valley is planted half to zinfandel and half to carignane. The two varietals ripened evenly; they were picked in one day and then co-fermented for ten days until dry. The bright acidity of the Carignane complements the rich, plentiful fruit of the Zinfandel. Enjoyable upon release, this unique field blend will evolve over another six years.

Born in Italy, Manuel Demostene moved to Healdsburg in 1902 where he found work on Santo Botti’s ranch. Santo died the next year and in 1906 Manuel married his widow, Julia, taking possession of the ranch. Around the same time, Abele Ferrari arrived from Italy and purchased what is now known as the Healdsburg Machine Shop. In 1925, he purchased the run down Soda Rock Winery, refurbishing it after prohibition. Abele’s daughter, Rose, married Manuel’s son, Leo in 1936 and they later helped run Soda Rock while raising four children on the property. The couple bought the 113 acre Sausal Ranch in 1956 and continued to buy more nearby land for their two sons, Ed and David. This wine comes from vines planted over one hundred years ago on Ed’s original twenty-five acres. Ed, who passed away in 2015, taught his daughter, Leisa, everything he knows about growing grapes. Leisa and Ward continue the family legacy, giving special attention to that block of old vine zinfandel and carignane.

Cranberry, rose petal and chapparal nose. Medium bodied with focused black cherry fruit, bright, refreshing acidity and a long clean finish.