The grapes for this Zin come from a historic, certified Biodynamic vineyard planted in 1930 near Ukiah. There is a little Petite Sirah (5%) planted as well, as is usually the case in old vineyards. Bob Marr has a long family history in wine-making and started Marr Cellars in 1997. He picks early to keep the distinctive qualities of the grape and site, to maintain acidity and to keep alcohol at reasonable levels. This wine needs a little time to breathe because of a phenomenon called reduction: reduction is a chemical state stemming from of a lack of oxygen contact with the wine and results in odors ranging from hops/skunk to burned rubber. The good news is that with a little exposure to oxygen the problem completely resolves. From personal experience, after ten minutes this wine is perfect with Kansas City-style pork ribs. (Seriously friends, let it breathe a bit before drinking)