Nose
The 2019 Cavern Select Dusi Zinfandel is a medium to full bodied wine with aromas and flavors of bramble, sweet tobacco, cocoa, and dried herbs.
Growing Conditions
The 2019 vintage began with a cool start. We saw above average rainfall in Paso Robles helping to cleanse soils. The cool weather protracted bud break and bloom delaying our growing season. A heat wave in late July helped to accelerate our delayed season with harvest starting about 7 days late at the end of August. The weather became more seasonal until several frost events in late September and October created challenges for low elevation areas. Luckily, we saw very little frost damage in our vineyards this season. Overall yield in the vineyard is lower than average. While short and somewhat sporadic, vintage 2019 is showing to be rich in flavor and has phenolic density.
Winemaking
This wine comes from the Dante Dusi vineyard. There are about 10 different soil types across the vineyard. This creates great diversity in the wines made from this acclaimed vineyard. The head trained vines are about 60-80 years old. Zinfandel is the heritage grape of Paso Robles.
Food Pairing
Serve with cheese & charcuterie, fresh pastas with mushrooms and herbs, and roasted lamb.
