2023 Tilth Old Vine Red Blend, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County
93 Points, Decanter
The Wine
The 2023 Old Vine Red Blend from Sonoma Valley marks our first bottling with winemaker Keith Emerson. A bold, muscular old-vine red blend, this wine layers black cherry, blueberry compote, and blackberry with hints of sage, spearmint, and violet. Rich oak tones of vanilla, mocha, and espresso frame the supple dark fruit, while a thread of stony minerality adds depth. Velvety tannins build to a powerful, lingering finish.
The Vintage
Napa Valley saw approximately 40” of rainfall over the winter of 2022/2023. The 2023 grape growing season began two weeks later than the five year average as a result of the cooler and wetter than average winter and early spring. The vines had an ample amount of water without being over saturated, shoot growth was steady, flowering and fruit set were also two weeks later than usual, and veraison did not take place in most vineyards until mid-August. Growers and winemakers, at that time, knew that they were in for a long, late harvest. Patience was the name of the game for the 2023 vintage. Early ripening varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc were mostly picked in early to mid-September (as opposed to late August) and the Cabernet harvest lasted until November 10th. Mother Nature was extremely generous in 2023 as the weather stayed moderate and the sun kept shining, thus allowing the vines to slowly ripen their clusters. The yields were bountiful and the wines are extremely dark in color (reds), full of aromatics, opulent, rich and juicy. There is amazing acid structure and fully developed tannins across the board for the red varietals. The whites are fresh and delicious as well. The 2023 vintage will go down as one of the greatest, most unique vintages in quite some time.
Specs
Varietal Blend: 36% Petite Sirah, 26% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, 6% Souzao, 3% Grenache, 4% Other (field blend of Cabernet Franc, Alicante, Grand Noir de la Calmette, Peloursin, Lenoir, Merlot, Mourvedre)
Appellation: Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County
Harvest Date: Sept 18th - Oct 20th
Harvest Brix: 22.8-26.2
Aging: 18 months, 40% new
Total Acidity: 5.9 g/L
Alcohol: 14.3%
pH: 3.75
Winemaker: Keith Emerson
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x - 2023 Tilth Old Vine Red Blend, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County
Case:
12x - 2023 Tilth Old Vine Red Blend, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County
/tilth/ noun: the state of aggregation of a soil especially in relation to its suitability for crop growth
The defining element of our portfolio is the fruit we source – and the relationships that flow from our connection to the land. We’ve learned that vineyards and cultivated lands have a spirit and voice all their own – and our purpose is to see and to listen – and through those efforts find the vines and grapes that are uplifted through the intention and the labor of passionate growers that tend to the earth itself… —and that’s TILTH.
We choose our grapes based on what we feel would be a true lens through which we view California’s vast and diverse agriculture. Every year our picking decisions are based on multiple factors; a combination of weather, location, acidity, fruit development, and an overall authenticity in the fruit that has to be tasted to describe. That essence supersedes all of the agronomy that we use as a supporting role in this decision, and defines the potential of each harvest, every year. There is no formula, just a vision that varies from vintage to vintage.
Simplicity is key in our cellar. Most of the work has already been done by the time the fruit arrives at the winery. During fermentation decisions are made on a daily basis on whether to punch down or pump over in an effort to guide the grapes through a healthy fermentation with as little intervention as possible. We age every wine in oak barrels, some new, but mostly old barrels seasoned by time that allow for a more authentic expression of the sites we work. The wines are left to develop with patience and trust, with minimal racking over the course of one to two winters before bottling.
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Decanter:
93 points. This Old Vine Red Blend is a muscular, bold and heady wine, offering black-fruit notes laced with ground espresso bean, toasty oak and dark chocolate. Round and richly supple, with silken dark-berry fruit and velvety tannins, it unfurls in waves of blue-fruit compote alongside stony, loamy, earthy minerality. The tannins build steadily, driving a bold finish that creeps up on you. This is not a cocktail-hour wine: it has the heft and structure that demand pairing with brisket, pulled pork or a red sauce with guanciale. Crafted by Keith Emerson of Vineyard 29 and Gundlach Bundschu Winery. October 2025
Making the discount rounds, not that that’s a bad thing, just an observation. Recently offered at Last Bottle. wine dot com, now out of stock, for $21.99. San Diego Wine & Beer (if they are a real entity) selling for $18.99 + ship.
They are, I’ve purchased cases there, a bottle or so at a time and get near daily email offers from them.
I’ll give them a call and see if I can stop by on the way home from work.
@kaolis@rjquillin Not only is it a real entity, it has some of the best prices for good quality Wines that I’ve seen in Southern California. Every time I travel to San Diego I make it a point to stop there. They have tons of wine under $20 a bottle and even under $10 a bottle.
@kaolis and from SDW&B, and they have stock so I’ll swing by this afternoon and grab one, but from the Rat it looks like my minimal available time-open will be well under what is suggested.
Find this for $65 at the winery! Incredible deal here! One of the best red blend buys of the year!
This exceptional Old Vine Red is a blend of heritage vineyard sites, showcasing complexity and approachability. The blend is mainly Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Syrah. It is crafted by the esteemed winemaker Keith Emerson. The guy who made those Vineyard 29 wines we sold boat loads of this past week!
We are going to keep telling you how amazing the 2023 vintage was in pretty much all of California but especially in Sonoma and Napa Valley. A cool, wet winter led to a later harvest, allowing the grapes to slowly ripen and develop incredible depth. The resulting red wines are extremely dark in color, full of aromatics, opulent, rich, and juicy—boasting amazing acid structure and fully developed tannins.
Aromas of blackberry, plum, and raspberry are accented by hints of spice, cocoa, and earth. The palate is generous, offering layers of juicy dark fruit framed by supple tannins and a smooth, rounded texture with its incredible pedigree, this is a wine you do not want to miss.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2023 Tilth Old Vine Red Blend - $85 = 24.99%
And goodness, what duty it was. I picked up the bottle from UPS and opened it for a sneak peak, and one sip told me it needed a few hours. This is one burly youknowwhat. So, I invited my friend down the street to come down later and help Ratt this one out.
Upon PnP, it was really just a big, tannic monster. The nose was really great- lots of dark berry and maybe a little rose? But too much to drink on opening. I looked up the winery online as I’d never heard of it. Obviously someone’s passion project. No Tasting Room, and not much in terms of where this particular bottle comes from. I saw the 93p from Decanter, and got excited because man are those guys stingy. And I know Keith’s reputation, so yay me! FF to around 6p and we sat down to try it for reals.
This is really not a “6pm wine”, this is more of a 8pm with prime rib style wine. Still hugely tannic after 3hrs open, with big bold crushed berry both on the palate and the nose, and I still get this hint of something floral on the nose too, it’s quite lovely, and tricks you that this might be a lighter wine. It’s not!! I couldn’t find the blend online but I did see the $65 price tag. Now I see Petit Sirah and Grenache, which makes sense. In my 25 years in the wine biz, I have always tended to like field blends and this is no exception. We both agreed it was tasty and I guessed we’d be in the $18-22 range here. Even in its most assertive form, the flavors are pretty distinct- rich and bold red berry and an earthiness that doesn’t come over as muddled but more clean and a bit herbaceous. What was a gravely finish at first smoothed out over time. As the night went on, it got better, and a last sip before bed around 10p showed less aggressive tannin, and a more integrated “taste” - the great berry and earth flavors weren’t fighting so much with the tannins, the finish had a nice acid pop but stuck around. All Followed by my aggressive session with a toothbrush!! More than half a bottle left to try later on, but I have no doubt it will continue to improve.
On a just more general rattage note - it’s a 2023. And a really really good one. Super young. Not long in bottle, really, if you do the math. I’d guess no more than 6-8 mos. There are a lot of '23s making their way on to the market now, and it really is a bit bewildering. They’re just too young to enjoy “now”. And the drinkers of today are more of a PopNPour group. (yeah I’m grouchy like that) I’m not familiar with this winery but I am familiar with the winemaker and his pedigree. Seeing this wine “here” and on other sites similar, it does bring a(nother) moment of reflection for me on the state of our industry right now, and the giant correction that’s occurring and will continue, especially for Napa and Sonoma. There’s going to be a lot of pain out there for some of these projects, and in turn a lot of gain for those of us in this space. If you have the spare change and some patience, I’d highly recommend this wine for FUTURE enjoyment lol. It’s a winner!! Thanks Casemates
What an excellent report…Memories
St Helena, 43 years ago last week my wife an I were on our honey moon and spent some time in that town, a refurbished 1800s hotel, with a wine bar, toured 13 wineries, and our love of wine was discovered, especially dry reds. Going to order a 3 pack for a future anniversary or several between our 45th to our 50th.
@winecaseaholic how wonderful! Having lived in St H, I can imagine how lovely it was in the mid 80’s, before it became what it is now
I wish you many many more years of wedded bliss!
2023 Tilth Old Vine Red Blend, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County
93 Points, Decanter
The Wine
The Vintage
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$780.00/Case for 12x 2023 Tilth Old Vine Red Blend, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County at Tilth Wines
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Apr 27 - Tuesday, Apr 28
2023 Tilth Old Vine Red Blend
3 bottles for $84.99 $28.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $254.99 $21.25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Looks like a sleeper winery. Hoping for rattage.
Decanter:
93 points. This Old Vine Red Blend is a muscular, bold and heady wine, offering black-fruit notes laced with ground espresso bean, toasty oak and dark chocolate. Round and richly supple, with silken dark-berry fruit and velvety tannins, it unfurls in waves of blue-fruit compote alongside stony, loamy, earthy minerality. The tannins build steadily, driving a bold finish that creeps up on you. This is not a cocktail-hour wine: it has the heft and structure that demand pairing with brisket, pulled pork or a red sauce with guanciale. Crafted by Keith Emerson of Vineyard 29 and Gundlach Bundschu Winery. October 2025
Making the discount rounds, not that that’s a bad thing, just an observation. Recently offered at Last Bottle. wine dot com, now out of stock, for $21.99. San Diego Wine & Beer (if they are a real entity) selling for $18.99 + ship.
That’s it for worthless April 3 2026 information.
fwiw
@kaolis
They are, I’ve purchased cases there, a bottle or so at a time and get near daily email offers from them.
I’ll give them a call and see if I can stop by on the way home from work.
@kaolis @rjquillin Not only is it a real entity, it has some of the best prices for good quality Wines that I’ve seen in Southern California. Every time I travel to San Diego I make it a point to stop there. They have tons of wine under $20 a bottle and even under $10 a bottle.
@kaolis and from SDW&B, and they have stock so I’ll swing by this afternoon and grab one, but from the Rat it looks like my minimal available time-open will be well under what is suggested.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2023 Tilth Old Vine Red Blend - $85 = 24.99%
Rat reporting for duty!
And goodness, what duty it was. I picked up the bottle from UPS and opened it for a sneak peak, and one sip told me it needed a few hours. This is one burly youknowwhat. So, I invited my friend down the street to come down later and help Ratt this one out.
Upon PnP, it was really just a big, tannic monster. The nose was really great- lots of dark berry and maybe a little rose? But too much to drink on opening. I looked up the winery online as I’d never heard of it. Obviously someone’s passion project. No Tasting Room, and not much in terms of where this particular bottle comes from. I saw the 93p from Decanter, and got excited because man are those guys stingy. And I know Keith’s reputation, so yay me! FF to around 6p and we sat down to try it for reals.
This is really not a “6pm wine”, this is more of a 8pm with prime rib style wine. Still hugely tannic after 3hrs open, with big bold crushed berry both on the palate and the nose, and I still get this hint of something floral on the nose too, it’s quite lovely, and tricks you that this might be a lighter wine. It’s not!! I couldn’t find the blend online but I did see the $65 price tag. Now I see Petit Sirah and Grenache, which makes sense. In my 25 years in the wine biz, I have always tended to like field blends and this is no exception. We both agreed it was tasty and I guessed we’d be in the $18-22 range here. Even in its most assertive form, the flavors are pretty distinct- rich and bold red berry and an earthiness that doesn’t come over as muddled but more clean and a bit herbaceous. What was a gravely finish at first smoothed out over time. As the night went on, it got better, and a last sip before bed around 10p showed less aggressive tannin, and a more integrated “taste” - the great berry and earth flavors weren’t fighting so much with the tannins, the finish had a nice acid pop but stuck around. All Followed by my aggressive session with a toothbrush!! More than half a bottle left to try later on, but I have no doubt it will continue to improve.
On a just more general rattage note - it’s a 2023. And a really really good one. Super young. Not long in bottle, really, if you do the math. I’d guess no more than 6-8 mos. There are a lot of '23s making their way on to the market now, and it really is a bit bewildering. They’re just too young to enjoy “now”. And the drinkers of today are more of a PopNPour group. (yeah I’m grouchy like that) I’m not familiar with this winery but I am familiar with the winemaker and his pedigree. Seeing this wine “here” and on other sites similar, it does bring a(nother) moment of reflection for me on the state of our industry right now, and the giant correction that’s occurring and will continue, especially for Napa and Sonoma. There’s going to be a lot of pain out there for some of these projects, and in turn a lot of gain for those of us in this space. If you have the spare change and some patience, I’d highly recommend this wine for FUTURE enjoyment lol. It’s a winner!! Thanks Casemates
@tastebud
What an excellent report…Memories
St Helena, 43 years ago last week my wife an I were on our honey moon and spent some time in that town, a refurbished 1800s hotel, with a wine bar, toured 13 wineries, and our love of wine was discovered, especially dry reds. Going to order a 3 pack for a future anniversary or several between our 45th to our 50th.
@tastebud @winecaseaholic
@winecaseaholic how wonderful! Having lived in St H, I can imagine how lovely it was in the mid 80’s, before it became what it is now
I wish you many many more years of wedded bliss!
/giphy workable-idiotic-pretzel
