Anthony Dias Blue Tasting Notes:
The first of two stunning Zins from 1996. The Alderbrook features fresh, red fruit—raspberries, currants and plums with a generous helping of spice and sweet oak. The wine is round and bright with smooth texture and a soft finish.
Winery Notes:
To some, owning a vineyard and winery is a labor of love, to others it's a savvy investment. For George Gillemot, it was all of the above, plus an opportunity to live and work in one of the most picturesque spots in the world.
George Gillemot was born, raised and educated in Santa Monica. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in Business Administration and later with an MBA. During World War II, George enlisted as a Navy Pilot and was stationed in Alameda, Norfolk and eventually at Barber's Point in Hawaii. In 1974 he invented a unique device for covering spliced telephone cables. After GTE refused to patent the invention, George took his idea and started his own company. During the next ten years, the company, Communications Technology, grew into a large international telecommunications equipment manufacturer.
In 1991, George purchased the Alderbrook Vineyard and set out to live a life of wine in Sonoma, California. The combination of exquisite, old vines (O.V.O.C = Old Vines, Old Clones) on the property, top quality winemaking and loving labor, has produced a series of fantastic wines.
The great quality of the 1996 Zinfandel before you stems primarily from the unique character imparted by the old vines. Alderbrook also produces marvelous Chardonnays, Merlots and Gewurztraminers. It is with great pride that George presents this award-winning Zinfandel to you today.
Tasting Notes—September 1998
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