Gamba 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel Starr Road Ranch

Regarding the 2018 growing season, Gus proclaims, “The 2018 vintage started off cool in the Russian River Valley AVA, and brought moderate temperatures during the season, offering a long and steady growing season. This exceptional season lead to an ideal harvest of stunning fruit and resulting in outstanding wines.”

The historic Starr Road Ranch vineyard was planted in 1920 and is located in the foothills of the Russian River Valley AVA. Although there are no hard and fast rules as to what constitutes an “Old Vine” vineyard, I would say this one certainly qualifies.

The vineyard is organically grown and is farmed without the use of herbicides or pesticides, dry farmed relying only on winter rains as its sole source of irrigation.

Gus has been working with fruit from the Starr Road Ranch vineyard for over a decade, and works very closely with the management company that farms the vineyard and carries out his detailed instructions for growing these grapes utilizing sustainable farming practices.

If you’ve enjoyed Gamba Zins from previous vintages, you’re going to be very happy with this new 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel.

From RobertParker.com, “The 2018 Zinfandel Old Vine Starr Road Ranch has restrained aromas of cranberry sauce, apricots and sweet berry fruits with accents of aniseed and bitter citrus peel. Medium to full-bodied, it floods the mouth with dense fruits set in a chewy frame and finishing slightly warm.” 91 Points

Winery Notes: “The 2018 Gamba Starr Road Old Vine Zinfandel exhibits a brilliant and beautiful, deep scarlet color. The aroma offers dark berries, blackberry compote, brown spices and a compelling hint of creamy oak. The wine is medium to full in body, with a mouth-watering, and full throttle fruit profile. Balanced, yet rich with dark black fruits, cinnamon stick, freshly baked butter pie crust with a note of cocoa and spice that fill the palate. The wine is woven with a lifting acidity that propels the wine giving it a pleasant buoyancy and freshness on the palate. The texture is polished, with soft leathery tannins. This is a classic Old Vine Zinfandel that will deserve a special place in your cellar. The finish is youthful, and intense, and enjoyable now, but will continue to get better with time in the cellar.”