2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel, Amador County
Tasting Notes
Dark jammy fruit forward, rich full flavors expressing both the varietal and the Amador Terroir. This complex briary wine has currents, white pepper, mulberry, violets, a full tannin structure, luscious mouthfeel with a long firm finish.
Vintage Notes
Amador County is extremely well suited to Zinfandel. Zinfandel has been grown in the Amador County Gold Rush area for over 150 years.
Winemaker’s Notes
Grown on steep mountainous terrain in the higher elevations of the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County, California. The 2022 growing season started with a hard frost cutting the crop size to 40% of normal. Not a lot was made, but what came in was extractive and full of Zinfandel Old Vine flavors.
Specs
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Amador County
Cooperage: 21 months in French Oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.46
RS: dry @ .14%
Cases Produced: 514 cases
Bottled: 7/17/2024
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x 2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel, Amador County
Case:
12x 2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel, Amador County
After decades of creating and crafting premium wines for wineries like Santino and Folie a Deux – and putting Amador County on the map as a world-class appellation – Scott Harvey launched his own winery in 2004. With decades of winemaking experience on two continents, it’s no wonder his wines have become an immediate sensation. It’s an overnight success 35 years in the making. (Oh, and Scott’s not too shabby with a pen, either.)
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
@mattykillpatty No, this looks even better - the thing formerly known as the white label.
To my understanding, the Griffin Society wines are made in a more modern style vs old world. (On Scott’s scale, though, that’s still decidedly old world leaning.)
Interesting… the few wines I’ve bought, and I do mean few, I’ve always found to be too fruit forward almost jammy for my tastes no matter what world you want to call them. Hence not a buyer. Think I have 2018 zin or Barbera somewhere, bought it here has a red label whatever it is. Might see if I can find it
@kaolis Ok, so I just went and actually read the offer…jammy and fruit seems to be a theme, so I’m not totally making this up…if that’s old world, the Griffin stuff must really be a mouthful… just an observation
@kaolis I usually wait at least 5-7 years post-vintage to open these. That takes care of the fruit forwardness.
And see Scott’s note below - this is the least fruit-forward of his Zins.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel - $40 = 12.49%
Casemates, we gotta talk. This bottle arrived 6 hours ago for go-live tonight. But I’ll do what must be done FOR THE GREATER GOOD.
This wine knows exactly what it is and has no interest in toning it down for your dinner party. More like Scott Harvey Danger! That’s a Jeopardy before and after if I’ve ever heard one. Where have all the merry winemakers gone?
Nose is straight-up blackberry jam, black cherry, cracked pepper, and vanilla. There’s also that old-vine funk in a good way. Dusty earth, a hint of leather, zero fruit cocktail nonsense. That said…
Palate comes in bold and juicy. Blackberry and boysenberry first, then baking spice, cocoa, and a little heat that reminds you this is Zinfandel, not a wellness beverage. Tannins are firm. Acidity keeps it from going full syrup, which I, personally, respect.
Finish is long, spicy, and confident. Like me. This is grill wine. Steak, ribs, sausages. If you want subtlety, look elsewhere. If you want character, this bottle showed up late and stayed for dessert. Be the zin, zenmaster.
@dave@kookie00@rjquillin On a rare evening when I was up past 11pm Central, I decided to try to make the “case savings” post before the morning. @ilCesare’s usual early post wasn’t there, and I also found that it was difficult to get to the usual main sale page (I assume that @ilCesare was late posting for the same reason).
@dave@ilCesare@kookie00@Mark_L
I didn’t even notice that, as I just went there from the forum tab that’s always open in my browser, along with way too many other sites…
Normally an auto buy, but concerned about weather. Just received today the Bravate Trio. Delivery was held up due to the storms, not sure where it was held up after shipping. How could I determine if the wine froze? I had intended to lay it down for a year or so.
When wine freezes, the water in it turns to ice and expands. That expansion usually causes the cork to be pushed out slightly (or entirely in some cases). If the corks aren’t protruding at all, it’s likely the wine is fine. If you’re really concerned, the only way to be certain is to open a bottle and try it (or use a Coravin).
@Letsdrinkplease
My guess is Scott would say this wine is a step up and is more elegant. However, I do recall people here previously saying they preferred the “red label” zin over the “white label” zin. Everyone’s palate is different of course, so your mileage may vary.
(As Klez previously stated, this is likely the the “white label” zin with a new label design.)
Hi Everyone, Just a call from Dave that we are on casemates. For some reason I thought it was running tomorrow. Sorry. This is our Old Vine Zinfandel. It is made to be a little more elegant and food friendly than the Mt. Selection or griffin Society wine. For years it came from my Grandfather’s vineyard which was planted in prohibition. The vineyard was bought by Turley and then replanted. I can why, it wasn’t producing much. Today it comes from a shareholder, the Manby vineyard planted in 1974. The labrat report is right on. Good oldvine Amador earthy Zinfandel made in the old California claret style. Enjoy!!
@ScottHarveyWine What vineyard did Turley buy? Are they going to rename it?
Also I thought they venerated old vines so it’s a bit surprising to hear they replanted it.
@klezman They bought my grandfather DeMille’s Vineyard. I had been making wine off it since I started making wine 52 years ago. When Turley bought it it was down to half ton per acre and cost more to farm it than the grapes were worth. So, they pulled it out and replanted it. The first crop came off last year. Turley has it up for sale. It is right next to our tasting room. I would buy it. But, at my age I winding down in the wine business rather winding up.
I don’t know why put this offer is closing at 9PM tonight. I’m glad I got on the board and did not miss it. Our inventories are finally catching up with sales. So, we’ll be running our of this wine soon. Just ran out of our Mt. Selection Barbera and won’t bottle again until April.
2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel, Amador County
Tasting Notes
Vintage Notes
Winemaker’s Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$588.00/Case for 12x 2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel, Amador County
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, Feb 26 - Monday, Mar 2
2022 Scott Harvey Wines Old Vine Zinfandel
3 bottles for $79.99 $26.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $279.99 $23.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Is this Griffin Society wine? I mean, it’s Scott Harvey so that’s rad. But, if it’s the GS, oh boy!
@mattykillpatty No, this looks even better - the thing formerly known as the white label.
To my understanding, the Griffin Society wines are made in a more modern style vs old world. (On Scott’s scale, though, that’s still decidedly old world leaning.)
Interesting… the few wines I’ve bought, and I do mean few, I’ve always found to be too fruit forward almost jammy for my tastes no matter what world you want to call them. Hence not a buyer. Think I have 2018 zin or Barbera somewhere, bought it here has a red label whatever it is. Might see if I can find it
@kaolis Ok, so I just went and actually read the offer…jammy and fruit seems to be a theme, so I’m not totally making this up…if that’s old world, the Griffin stuff must really be a mouthful… just an observation
@kaolis I usually wait at least 5-7 years post-vintage to open these. That takes care of the fruit forwardness.
And see Scott’s note below - this is the least fruit-forward of his Zins.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Scott Harvey Old Vine Reserve Zinfandel - $40 = 12.49%
@Mark_L
Adding to this post, as a long time club member, below is what a case would cost direct from SH
Casemates, we gotta talk. This bottle arrived 6 hours ago for go-live tonight. But I’ll do what must be done FOR THE GREATER GOOD.
This wine knows exactly what it is and has no interest in toning it down for your dinner party. More like Scott Harvey Danger! That’s a Jeopardy before and after if I’ve ever heard one. Where have all the merry winemakers gone?
Nose is straight-up blackberry jam, black cherry, cracked pepper, and vanilla. There’s also that old-vine funk in a good way. Dusty earth, a hint of leather, zero fruit cocktail nonsense. That said…
Palate comes in bold and juicy. Blackberry and boysenberry first, then baking spice, cocoa, and a little heat that reminds you this is Zinfandel, not a wellness beverage. Tannins are firm. Acidity keeps it from going full syrup, which I, personally, respect.
Finish is long, spicy, and confident. Like me. This is grill wine. Steak, ribs, sausages. If you want subtlety, look elsewhere. If you want character, this bottle showed up late and stayed for dessert. Be the zin, zenmaster.
Mods: Not sure why, but the main domain casemates.com is redirecting to the forum for me.
@kookie00 same…it’s not just you!
@kookie00 @TimW Yup.
@kookie00 me too
@ElKabong @kookie00
Noted and reported, tnx
@kookie00 Sorry about that, should be all fixed now.
@dave @kookie00
Confirmed, thanks
@dave @kookie00 @rjquillin On a rare evening when I was up past 11pm Central, I decided to try to make the “case savings” post before the morning. @ilCesare’s usual early post wasn’t there, and I also found that it was difficult to get to the usual main sale page (I assume that @ilCesare was late posting for the same reason).
@dave @ilCesare @kookie00 @Mark_L
I didn’t even notice that, as I just went there from the forum tab that’s always open in my browser, along with way too many other sites…
Same here!
Clicking the picture gets you to the site. We can buy Scott Harvey wine now, hurray!
Pre-storm splurge.
/giphy phony-frosted-ray
Looking forward to next Barbera offering!
Normally an auto buy, but concerned about weather. Just received today the Bravate Trio. Delivery was held up due to the storms, not sure where it was held up after shipping. How could I determine if the wine froze? I had intended to lay it down for a year or so.
@free2day33611
When wine freezes, the water in it turns to ice and expands. That expansion usually causes the cork to be pushed out slightly (or entirely in some cases). If the corks aren’t protruding at all, it’s likely the wine is fine. If you’re really concerned, the only way to be certain is to open a bottle and try it (or use a Coravin).
@kawichris650
Thanks. The corks are not protruding at all, so probably ok. And I may try one after they set for a few days.
Ouch, what a picture.
How does this compare to the other SH Zins?
@Letsdrinkplease
My guess is Scott would say this wine is a step up and is more elegant. However, I do recall people here previously saying they preferred the “red label” zin over the “white label” zin. Everyone’s palate is different of course, so your mileage may vary.
(As Klez previously stated, this is likely the the “white label” zin with a new label design.)
@winedavid59
Where is Scott?
Hi Everyone, Just a call from Dave that we are on casemates. For some reason I thought it was running tomorrow. Sorry. This is our Old Vine Zinfandel. It is made to be a little more elegant and food friendly than the Mt. Selection or griffin Society wine. For years it came from my Grandfather’s vineyard which was planted in prohibition. The vineyard was bought by Turley and then replanted. I can why, it wasn’t producing much. Today it comes from a shareholder, the Manby vineyard planted in 1974. The labrat report is right on. Good oldvine Amador earthy Zinfandel made in the old California claret style. Enjoy!!
@ScottHarveyWine What vineyard did Turley buy? Are they going to rename it?
Also I thought they venerated old vines so it’s a bit surprising to hear they replanted it.
@klezman They bought my grandfather DeMille’s Vineyard. I had been making wine off it since I started making wine 52 years ago. When Turley bought it it was down to half ton per acre and cost more to farm it than the grapes were worth. So, they pulled it out and replanted it. The first crop came off last year. Turley has it up for sale. It is right next to our tasting room. I would buy it. But, at my age I winding down in the wine business rather winding up.
I don’t know why put this offer is closing at 9PM tonight. I’m glad I got on the board and did not miss it. Our inventories are finally catching up with sales. So, we’ll be running our of this wine soon. Just ran out of our Mt. Selection Barbera and won’t bottle again until April.
@ScottHarveyWine The Friday offers are always a single day only!
Because Berserker Day needs more wine, if anybody in SoCal needs a bit of help I could take some.