Nose
Aromas of cranberry, white pepper and black tea.
Palate
The palate has concentrated dark fruit flavors with an interesting earthiness provided by the oak aging. Lingering flavors of brambly fruit and rustic Zinfandel are framed by soft tannins on the finish.
Growing Conditions
The Dry Creek Valley is home to some of California’s most definitive Zinfandel. The gently sloping hills, terra rossa soil, and mild climate make it the perfect locale for this varietal.
Harvest
2015 was a fantastic vintage producing high quality fruit. It began with an earlier than average bud break and an intense, compacted harvest beginning earlier than average as well. The high temperatures in August and early September accelerated maturity and picking times. Overall, this was an early and light harvest with smaller berries and concentrated flavors that produced exceptional quality fruit.
Bottling
The wine was bottled in January 2017.
Winemaking
After harvest, the fruit was cold soaked to enhance the color and flavor while avoiding harsh tannins. The individual lots were racked once and put into a combination of new Gamba French oak (40%), and one- and two-year-old Hungarian oak barrels for 11 months.
Aging
11 months in 40% new French oak barrels; 60% one- to two-year-old Hungarian oak barrels.
Appearance
Crimson in color.
