VINEYARDS:
This wine blends lots from select vineyards in top growing regions: El Dorado County (42%), Amador County (32%), Lake County (17%), Napa County (6%) and Lodi (3%).
WINEGROWING:
Good rains in February led to a warm summer, which then turned cool in August, resulting in a later harvest than the last few years. What followed was a long warm fall with near perfect growing conditions and extended hang time. In the end it was one of the longest harvests on record and also above average crop size. Sustainable farming practices throughout the growing season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology. The fruit was handpicked at dawn and sorted in the vineyard.
WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully destemmed and optically sorted to ensure only perfect fruit made it into the wine. A cold soak extracted color and flavor before primary fermentation began in tank. The wine was gently basket-pressed, then racked to oak barrels to finish primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation and aging.
TASTING NOTES:
Our classic California Zinfandel is a purpleruby, with a bright crimson hue. On the nose, concentrated aromas of ripe blackberry and boysenberry meld with black tea, vanilla and spice. Lush flavors of fig, blackberry jam, licorice and vanilla flood the palate, followed by touches of dark chocolate and white pepper in the background. Subtle and round tannins and great length make for a fresh and enticing finish.
FOOD PAIRINGS:
Our favorite Joy of Cooking® pairings* for this wine include Pulled Pork with North Carolina Style Barbecue Sauce, Lamb Ragu or Fromage Fort.
- VARIETAL COMPOSITION:
- 93% Zinfandel
- 7% Petite Sirah
- COOPERAGE: 16 months in American (10% new) and French Oak
- ALCOHOL: 15.9%
- ** Only 3 in Stock **