Nose
The 2014 Gilsson's sweet, young, berryish fruit aromas show both lots of immediate appeal and plenty of depth.
Palate
Upon entry, the flavors are much like the nose, with forward blackberry fruit that gives substance to the frontal impressions, along with creamy oak. Well-structured.
Growing Conditions
Fingers of Pacific fog follow the Russian River inland, cooling its watershed ahead of the surrounding terrain and making the area markedly cooler. This appellation, already well-revered for its Pinot Noirs, has been very consistent with producing well-bred and extracted Zinfandels as well, most notabley DeLoach, J. Rochioli and Hartford among others. Gilsson Vineyard actually is in an area where two appellations intersect, Russian River and Chalk Hill, so the vineyard experiences not only cooling fog but chalky soil as well, the best of both.
Harvest
September 17th and October 14th 2014
Food Pairing
Few red wines succeed as well as Zinfandel with hearty vegetable dishes, especially grilled vegetables. The zing of the wine's acidity and softness of the tannins create a comfortable space for the flavors of mixed warm salads, stuffed eggplant, fried olives and even bitter greens like arugula.
