Nose
The 2017 Hartford Russian River Valley Zinfandel is showing aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, black cherry which are highlighted with hints of white pepper and allspice.
Palate
Blueberry, red raspberry, nutmeg and mocha flavors lead into a long, bright finish with supple tannins.
Growing Conditions
The Hartford Russian River Valley Zinfandel is a blend of old-vine, dry-farmed and low-yielding Zinfandel vineyards from the Russian River Valley. These old vines (average vineyard age is over 100 years) offer an impressive articulation of this idiosyncratic varietal. Zinfandel grown in the Russian River Valley is distinctive, due to a cool maritime influence. Bright, natural acidity and vibrant fruit aromas and flavors are a result of typically cool fog-laden nights and warm days. These dry-farmed vineyards, planted on low-fertility soils, consistently produce wines of exceptional density and extraction.
Winemaking
To preserve exotic spice and bright berry flavors, we use the same gentle handling techniques for making Zinfandel that we use with Pinot Noir:
- All hand harvested with hand sorting of both clusters and berries at the winery
- Pre-fermentation cold soak, indigenous yeast fermentation in small open-top fermenters
- Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels
- No fining or filtration
These artisan winemaking techniques allow the varietal character of Zinfandel to show through and express the Russian River Valley terroir.
Aging
10 months, 100% French Oak, 51% New
