Nose
Nestled high in the hills above Sonoma Valley the old dry farmed Zinfandel vines at Bald Mountain vineyard have produced a delicious supremely drinkable wine. The aromas are packed with wild berries, brandied cherry, fruit leather, cracked pepper and bay.
Palate
The palate is smooth and luscious, with bright acidity that melds with nicely integrated tannins to keep the wine bright and clean. Through the finish the wine is inviting with notes of black raspberry, red fruits, cardamom and cola.
Growing Conditions
The 2023 Bald Mountain Zinfandel is the first Titus single vineyard Zinfandel and is comprised of 100% fruit from the Bald Mountain Vineyard. This old vine Zinfandel is grown in the mountain vineyard off of Wall Rd and is one of the most stunning vineyards in the North Coast. The old vines produce a concentrated and ripe Zinfandel that will age for years.
A long Winter and Spring notable for near record rainfall led to a later bud break in the beginning of the growing season, sunny warm conditions during May soon had the vines in bloom with near perfect conditions. Even temperatures in the Summer provided ideal conditions for the berries to develop flavor, retain acidity.
A long Winter and Spring notable for near record rainfall led to a later than usual bud break in the beginning of the growing season, sunny warm conditions during May soon had the vines starting bloom with near perfect conditions.
Even temperatures throughout the Summer provided the ideal conditions for the growing berries to develop flavor, retain acidity and build up phenolic characteristics. Veraison occurred in early August for most varieties, followed by some appropriate heat to help the fruit finish the season.
Nearly all work in the vineyards is done by hand: pruning, suckering, training young vines, leafing, weed removal, green thinning, harvesting. The multiple passes through the vineyard ensures low intensity farming a high level of oversight, all of which results in optimal fruit quality, with minimal impact in the vineyard. A close eye is kept on the balance of soil health and plant vigor, sunlight and shade, canopy and clusters, air circulation and wind… with the aim of perfectly ripening approximately seven pounds per vine. Since Eric Titus joined the family business full time in 1997, he has applied his background in aquatic and environmental biology, and commercial science to the business and craft of grape growing. He redeveloped the vineyard and upgraded the farming techniques. His goal is to have as light a footprint in the vineyard as possible.
Harvest
Harvest for the Titus Zinfandel was in early October. The ideal weather allowed for precise picking of mature fruit that yielded bright wines with a vibrant fruit and acid profile.
