San Lorenzo

The San Lorenzo vineyard was purchased by Pete Seghesio’s grandfather in 1896 using the ten gold coins he earned working as a cook for the local gold mines. Today, it is one of the most iconic vineyards in California, located alongside the Russian River and spanning both the Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley appellations. The south-facing slopes, rocky terraces and foggy mornings make it ideal for viticulture, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. Originally 2.8 hectares in size, the vineyard has been added to over the years and now comprises 16 hectares of vines. Old deeds suggest that the vineyard was planted before 1892. This ‘Pearl’ of a vineyard is adjacent to Pete’s home, with a small cellar underneath.

The vines that provide fruit for ‘The Pearl’ hail from the original planting, aged well over 100 years old. The grapes are hand-harvested at night and double-sorted before entering the winery. They are then cold-soaked for five days at 13°C to extract aroma before fermentation occurs in open-top tanks with indigenous yeasts. The blend results from the century-old field blend comprised of two-thirds Zinfandel, some Petite Sirah and Carignan, and tiny amounts of Grand Noir, Alicante, Négrette and Mataro. The Zinfandel is harvested earlier and fermented separately, while the other grapes, which need more time to reach physiological ripeness, are fermented together. The wine is then aged in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new, for 16 months. The nose promises layered complexity with black plums, raspberries and cigar box. The palate is bountiful with fine-textured tannins balanced by good acidity. This is a fine wine and will drink well for decades.

Buy San Lorenzo wine below.