Nose
With rich layers of fruit, this wine has appealing aromas of plum, wild berries,
toffee, sassafras and cocoa.
Palate
Giving way to full-bodied, ripe flavors of
raspberries, dried cherries, hints of leather and spice cake. This wine’s lush
finish is enhanced by cardamom and toasty toffee from barrel aging.
Growing Conditions
The 2017 season began with record rainfall amounts during the winter, filling
our reservoirs after four years of drought. Spring was mild, bringing favorable
conditions during bloom, which led to a nicely set crop. We experienced more
than an average number of hot days in early to mid-summer, and then record
highs over Labor Day weekend. Fortunately, the vines were ready to handle
the heat with adequate soil moisture supplied by all the rain. The Zinfandel
was tasting delicious and ready to be picked on Labor Day, the first day of
harvest at the mountain winery.
Bottling
February 2019
Winemaking
This wine is primarily composed of Zinfandel blended with a small amount of
Petite Sirah. Upon entering the winery, the hand-harvested grapes are
destemmed to stainless steel tanks for three days of cold soaking. The grapes
are then inoculated with yeast and the tanks are pumped over, one to two
times daily, for the duration of primary fermentation. Individual lots are
drained and pressed to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and
cave aged for 16 months. Lots are kept separate until blending and bottling.
Aging
46% new French and Eastern European oak, 54% older oak
Food Pairing
Our Zinfandel is a food-friendly wine that pairs perfectly with meat dishes like
slow-roasted pork, grilled lamb chops, duck, beef sirloin burgers, chili,
pizzas and spicy sausage. Cheeses, such as Gruyère, extra sharp Cheddar or
Roquefort, as well as decadent chocolate desserts, are delicious with our
Zinfandel.
