Old Vine Zinfandel’s viticultural legacy in the Russian River Valley dates back to the late 19th century, when Italian immigrants – mostly from the Tuscan province of Lucca – settled there and planted Zinfandel. In 1926 one of these immigrants, Benito Montafi, planted a Zinfandel-based “field blend” in the high plains of Russian River Valley’s Piner-Olivet district. This area has a long history of producing compelling old vine Zinfandels. The overall cooler temperature, courtesy of marine influenced air that flows up the Petaluma Gap from the south and up the Russian River from the west, creates significant diurnal swings, up to 55°F. This phenomenon prolongs hang time, which allows for a steady accumulation of ripe fruit flavors and aromatic intensity.