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Matthiasson – Old Vine Zin Armor Plate Vineyard

Price Matrix
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USA - CA
California
Wine
Red

The Facts

Origins USA - CA > California
Appellation California
Varietal Zinfandel
Cepage 100% Zinfandel
Winemaking The fermentation was 50% whole cluster and 50% destemmed and crushed. We pressed after 14 days on the skins and aged the wine in neutral Burgundy barrels for 10 months. Only native yeast.
Aging 10 months in neutral Burgundy barrels
Alcohol by Volume 12.5%
Annual Production 678 cases
Markets Texas

Trade and Media

The Character

Tasting Notes This old vine Zinfandel has an earthy minerality and wonderful subtle fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, plum, and quince. The wine has plush tannins and a long soft finish — not the heavy or intense Zinfandel one could expect.
Sustainability Certified Organic, Green Practicing, Sustainable In Practice, Minimal Intervention / Augmentation, Natural Fermentation

The Story

Our goal with Zinfandel is always to channel the older California style of Zinfandel that used to be referred
to as “California Claret,” not the more contemporary “Port” style of Zinfandel that has become synonymous
with the variety. The Claret style of Zinfandel is fresh and juicy, with crunchy red fruits and prominent acidity.
We enjoy making Zinfandel from different locations each year or so, exploring the range of the variety.
The Armor Plate Vineyard was planted in the 1890s. The vines are 130 years of age! Yields are low, but the
vines are still going strong. The dry farmed and certified organic vineyard is owned by Hamel Family, a
viticulture consulting client of Steve’s, and a dedicated steward of the land and of the ancient vines. The
deep, well-drained soil is composed of volcanic alluvium, located in the heart of the Sonoma Valley
near the town of Glen Ellen. It is one of the most historic grape growing areas in California, fitting for old
vines of Zinfandel, our most traditional variety.
The pH is 3.59, the TA is 6.61 g/l

About Matthiasson

Producer Story

Jill and Steve Matthiasson founded Matthiasson Family Wines in 2003, guided by the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard. Combining Steve’s expertise in viticulture with Jill’s background in ecology, they farm organically and regeneratively, prioritizing soil health, balance, and biodiversity. Their philosophy of restraint in the cellar allows the vineyard to speak, producing wines of clarity, elegance, and authenticity. Celebrated for their moderate alcohol, food-friendly style, and expressive character, Matthiasson wines highlight both Napa classics and rare varieties, earning critical acclaim and establishing the winery as a benchmark for quality, sustainability, and a fresh vision of Napa Valley.


Producer Story

Jill and Steve Matthiasson founded Matthiasson Family Wines in 2003, guided by the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard. Combining Steve’s expertise in viticulture with Jill’s background in ecology, they farm organically and regeneratively, prioritizing soil health, balance, and biodiversity. Their philosophy of restraint in the cellar allows the vineyard to speak, producing wines of clarity, elegance, and authenticity. Celebrated for their moderate alcohol, food-friendly style, and expressive character, Matthiasson wines highlight both Napa classics and rare varieties, earning critical acclaim and establishing the winery as a benchmark for quality, sustainability, and a fresh vision of Napa Valley.

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