Cabot Vineyards Estate Zinfandel Humboldt County 2019

When John Cabot planted his first vineyard, he was a 25-year-old farmer specializing in organic produce. Despite having no hands-on experience, John was fascinated by viticulture and began researching best practices and how the unique aspects of where he resided, Humboldt County, would affect grapevines. He quickly learned that even though the region was more dominantly known for the logging industry, the climate and soils could make for exceptional conditions to grow grapes. In 1998, John planted his first seven acres with Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot; all growing on its own roots (a practice not possible in many areas due to the prevalence of phylloxera.) From 1998 to 2024, John has made steady and acclaimed progress as he champions the Humboldt winemaking world with the thoughtful additions of two more vineyards, a custom-built winery, and a sparkling wine brand.

With only 150 acres planted to vineyards, Humboldt County is still making a name for itself like that of its southern AVA neighbors in Mendocino and Alexander Valley. Due to the rugged and steep terrain, planting vineyards here is not for the weak of heart. Patience and persistence are crucial, and those growers and winemakers who exhibit these traits reap substantial rewards once their vineyards begin producing fruit. John Cabot is most certainly a pioneer for imagining the potential in the area in the late 90s when it was largely unknown to the wine world. Humboldt boasts majestic redwoods, significant marine influence, and varying elevations that create unique microclimates where captivating wines come to life. As the traditional “wine country” grows warmer and drier each year, Humboldt stands to become more and more appealing for planting vineyards and is on the list of up-and-coming California winegrowing regions.

John’s Marier Vineyard is a prime example of Humboldt’s extreme conditions, sitting 1500 feet in elevation at a 55-degree angle, making it the steepest vineyard in California. It took years to clear the land, carve terraces out of the mountainside, and eventually plant just three acres of Syrah and Zinfandel. The 1.5 acres of Zinfandel grew from vine cuttings off an old vine plot on Sonoma Mountain and were planted on their own rootstock. Everything in the vineyard is done by hand, as farming equipment cannot maneuver on the slopes. The 2019 Zinfandel was harvested over multiple passes from mid-September to early October, and the fruit maintained a refreshingly high level of acidity. John co-fermented the Zinfandel with 8% Viognier to lift the aromatics and add delicate florals to the nose. Aging occurred over 22 months in older French oak barrels before bottling the wine unfined and unfiltered. Only 165 cases produced!