Sure enough, Bill and Margie Hart, who are the proprietors of this small historic vineyard, researched to find that the original vineyard was replanted in the 1880’s. With the aid of Bill Pease of Madrigal Vineyard Management and Bob Biale, an historic vineyard preservation project rarely seen in Napa Valley - or anywhere - was set into motion. Laying drainage, irrigating, tilling, pruning, fertilizing, and inter-planting have today brought the old site back to productive life.

Now inter-planted with some young vines while retaining its original makeup, the Old Kraft Vineyard is producing small quantities of beautiful grapes worthy of a Biale vineyard designation. Part of the vineyard is rare old Petite Sirah and this vintage, like most to come, we expect, is co-fermented Zinfandel and Petite – the classic combination of the old school winemakers.

Dark, layered, and brooding, this Zinfandel is of the strong/quiet type and shows red raspberry and plum fruit, black berry and currant preserves, subtle herb, toasty spices, and pepper.

Best drinking will be in 4 to 5 years.