Dutton Goldfield Morelli Lane Vineyard Zinfandel, 2023, Russian River Valley, California, US

A century of history, just 1.8 acres of vines and a Zinfandel that proves older really can mean better. Some things are worth preserving.

About the wine

Over 100 years old and still producing the good stuff. Some vines clearly know the secret to a long life.

Morelli Lane, a tiny 1.8-acre vineyard tucked into the cool coastal hills of California's Russian River Valley. Its century-old Zinfandel vines have survived generations of farming, growing without irrigation and producing small quantities of beautifully concentrated fruit.

Behind the bottle are Steve Dutton, a fifth-generation farmer who grew up driving tractors through his family's vineyards, and Dan Goldfield, a former chemist whose love affair with Burgundy led him into winemaking. Together, they've made it their mission to showcase the character of California's most interesting vineyards.

And Morelli Lane is quite a find. Unlike the big, jammy Zinfandels California is famous for, these old vines benefit from cooling Pacific breezes, giving the wine plenty of richness without sacrificing freshness.

The grapes are gently fermented in open-top tanks before spending 18 months in French oak, 40% of it new, adding a little warmth and spice.

Tasting notes

Juicy raspberries, cinnamon, tobacco leaf and sweet baking spices. Rich and generous, with bright acidity that keeps the fruit lively and beautifully balanced.

Food pairing

Sticky barbecue ribs, grilled pork chops, smoky beef brisket or a proper wood-fired pizza. Its juicy fruit and warm spice are brilliant alongside grilled meats, while a generous wedge of aged Cheddar makes a very good excuse for another glass.

About the winemaker

Steve Dutton was driving tractors through his family's vineyards at five, while Dan Goldfield was studying chemistry before a bottle of 1969 Burgundy convinced him to swap laboratories for winemaking.

In 1998, they joined forces. Steve brought five generations of farming knowledge, Dan brought his passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Dutton-Goldfield was born.

One grew up among the vines; the other fell in love with what came out of them. A pretty good partnership, if you ask us.