2019 Southdown

Southdown sheep were the most abundant animals on our former property.  A very popular breed of English sheep, their small stature makes them perfectly suited for vineyard grazing, adding fertility as they eat the weeds, but too short to eat the fruit off the vines!

These vineyard helpers’ namesake wine shares their popularity, but definitely not their stature.  This Zinfandel is known for being warmer and rounder, bigger bodied and showing darker fruit.  The nose is a bit intimidating, with more sinister, darker berried fruit coupled with barrel smoke, red licorice, and freshly baked bread.  The palate begins slightly linear, with strawberry fruit straight down the middle of the tongue, but almost immediately moves east/west across the palate bringing with it soft tannin and a bit of floral notes.  The body is beefy, but also a touch delicate, with the finish carrying robust fruit and balanced acidity.