Established in 1973 by Cecil De Loach, a firefighter from San Francisco, De Loach was purchased by Burgundian Jean-Claude Boisset in 2003. His son Jean-Charles Boisset saw similarities between the Russian River Valley and his native Burgundy, recognising the region's potential for producing fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. After acquiring the estate, one of his first decisions was to convert the seven hectares of vineyard surrounding the winery to biodynamic farming.

Head winemaker Brian Maloney, who has worked at De Loach since 2003, proved instrumental in evolving De Loach by exploring different soils across the Russian River Valley and focusing on high-quality, small-lot winemaking.

The ‘Heritage Collection’ offers superb value and quality for mid-priced Californian wines. De Loach’s Russian River Valley fruit is supplemented by grapes sourced from like-minded growers in selected premium areas of California, particularly the Central Coast. 

Each is made and bottled at their estate facility. The ZInfandel was made from fruit grown in the Central Coast Appellations where the coastal fod and cool evenings create a good environment for extended ripening. Pre-fermentation cold soak was carried out to extract deep colour. During fermentation, which took place in stainless steel tanks, the cap was punched down, followed by post-fermentation warm maceration, for extraction of ripe, well integrated tannins. The wine was aged mainly in stainless steel tanks and a small proportion was aged in 227 litre seasoned French oak.

This Zinfandel has aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherry and sweet spices. The palate is full-bodied with ripe tannins and bold fruit, tempered by well-integrated oak.