Rancho San Miguel
Sonoma County region
Inspired by the beautiful Russian River Valley property
Founded in 2008 by Michael Adair, Rancho San Miguel Winery is a tribute to the people who worked the land since tribal times. In fact, the name of the winery even conjures up visions of early California and its great land grants that shaped the state and the very beginnings of the California wine industry.
Michael Adair has worked over twenty-five years in the wine industry, with previous experience at Robert Mondavi Winery, Domain Chandon Winery, and the iconic Grigich Hill Estate before establishing Rancho San Miguel. Over the years, he involved himself in as many different aspects of the business as possible and while he was mostly working in Napa Valley, Michael was drawn to nearby Sonoma where the entire northern California wine experience really began. He was also fascinated that many of the vineyards there had been owned by multiple owners over the years.
In 2008, Michael found twenty acres of Zinfandel off Russian River Road that had been planted in 1920. He jumped at the chance of owning it. Not only did he love the Zinfandel grape and its weedy, gnarly looking vines, he was truly inspired by the beautiful Russian River Valley property. Michael Adair is probably just the second or third owner of the property since it was planted.
Rancho San Miguel’s first Old Vine Zinfandel release garnered the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the Orange County Fair Wine Competition - the highest honor at one of the state’s most difficult competitions. He has since focused exclusively on Old Vine Zinfandel and produces less than 500 cases of it each year. It is a level Michael has maintained since the start and one he doesn’t expect to grow much in the future. He is limited by the number of actual vines on his property and his meticulous growing and winemaking methods that yield very low numbers. We hope you enjoy this passionate Garagiste producer and his excellent wine.
Dear Platinum Wine Club Members,
I am honored and proud to be able to introduce my wine to this prestigious club.
The 2008 vintage release of Rancho San Miguel Winery’s Old Vine “Starr Road Vineyard” Zinfandel raises the bar for this classic, bold, and fruit forward style wine. This legendary vineyard was planted in 1920 and is home to some of Sonoma County’s exclusive Zinfandel wines.
The Rancho San Miguel 2008 release presents visual prismatic garnet and brilliant crimson hues, with titillating aromas of ripe raspberry jam, dissipating into vanilla and mild brown spice. Playful notes of decadent chocolate, rich blackberry preserves, and compelling allspice gracefully fill the palate. Beautifully balanced, this wine is packed with bold flavor, yet maintains a solid structure. Well built, round, and sporting smooth tannins and proper acidity to finish its parade of flavors, this wine is a must for any serious Zinfandel lover.
Enjoy!
Michael Adair
Owner/Winemaker
