Predator Old Vine Zinfandel
Rutherford’s philospophy of responsible farming with a holistic approach is witnessed in the Predator – which references not the strength of the wine but “Natural Predation” – an eco-friendly strategy to control harmful insects in the vineyards. The label displays a Ladybird, a natural insect predator, which feed on destructive aphids in the vineyards.
100% Zinfandel grapes are harvested from 50 year old vines, and are aged in 75% French Oak 25% American Oak.
The Lodi region is ideally situated between the Sierra Foothills and the San Francisco Bay Delta and benefits from cool afternoon and evening breezes, producing world-renowned red varieties.
An intense, very concentrated and complex full-bodied wine. Bold aromas of dark fruits, cherry, and exotic spice. Great fruit-forward flavours of sweet black cherries and raspberries, with lingering tannins over a long, smoky finish. A real “chewy” wine.
Match with equally chewy food – ribs, a juicy burger or a delicious cheeseburger. This wine can also be enjoyed with grilled veggies and a savoury, mushroom risotto.
About the Producer
Rutherford
Rutherford Wine Company, 50 years old and spanning 3 generations, is family owned and managed with a portfolio of wines representing the rich diversity of California’s outstanding appellations.
The winery is located on Napa Valley’s scenic Silverado Trail. Of Napa’s 14 designated AVA’s (American Viticultural Area), this district is renowned for producing unsurpassed premium varietal grapes. Rutherford have been critically acclaimed in the Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and Decanter. Robert Parker described them as “best value in Napa Valley” and they were named ‘Napa Winery of the Year’ at the 2013 New York International Wine Competition.
What is outstanding is their uncompromising and ecologically far-sighted approach to wine-making. This is an ethical imperative for Rutherford. They are more labour intensive than other commercial winegrowing methods, the efforts are rewarded with fruit rich in flavour and character – and great fruit is a prerequisite for making great wine.
Rutherford are committed to sustainably farming, producing and bottling their wines. The winery and estate vineyards are certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Responsible farming is good for the land, good for the grapes and ultimately good for the wine.
California Family-owned Winery of the Year: New York International Wine Competition 2019.
