Wonderful aromas of sour cherry chocolate tart, cranberry, and clove set the stage for flavors of Montmorency cherry, raspberry, and Malabar black pepper. Silky tannins linger throughout the finish along with notes of hibiscus, red currant, and sumac. Baking spices and red fruits make this the ideal pairing for parmesan & herb crusted chicken breast pan-fried and baked with mozzarella cheese and tomato basil sauce or cannoli with chocolate custard.
Located in the southern end of the Alexander Valley, bordering the Chalk Hill appellation just west of Mount Saint Helena, this vineyard is planted predominately with Zinfandel along with some Carignane and Petite Sirah, all of which were fermented as one. Here, on rocky loam soils, the Zinfandel experiences cool temperatures and a long ripening season, developing complex, intensely flavored fruit. The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented in stainless-steel tanks with the native yeast. After the fermentation was complete, the wine went into French oak barrels to age for the next 16 months before being bottled unfined.
VINEYARD DETAILS
Soil profile: Rocky loam
Aspect: Southwestern
Elevation: 300 feet
Year Planted: 2000
Clone: 7
Rootstock: 110R
Trellis: Bilateral Cordon
HARVEST September 2021
COMPOSITION 85% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane
ANALYSES
pH 3.57
Acidity .66 grams/100 ml
Alcohol 15.9%
Sugar 0.03%
PRODUCTION 4 Barrels
CELLARING Optimal storage temperature 55-60° F (13-16° C)
90 POINTS, GOLD MEDAL - 2024 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge
Judging Notes: "Spicy, mineral and peppery."
