$ 25.00
Fine vanilla and oak, slight black pepper and clove, coriander spice, raspberry and black cherry. Flavors follow the aromatic profile with the initial being raspberry together with plum and bruised strawberry, clove and pepper finish. Tactile - very soft no hard tannins and long soft finish.
| VINTAGE | 2015 |
| WINE TYPE | Red |
| VARIETAL | Old Vine Zinfandel [100%] |
| AVA | Dry Creek Valley |
| VINEYARD | Carreras Ranch |
| SCORE | Tell Us Your Score |
Once harvested, the fruit was immediately transported to the winery where both clones were 100% de-stemmed and placed in a 4 ton open top Stainless Steel fermentation tank. The must (skins, seeds and pulp) was then maintained at 55 degrees F for an 8 day “cold soak” prior to initiating fermentation. Both clones were co-fermented with native yeast and very gentle cap management (“punch down’s”) during a 9 day fermentation to minimize the tannin extraction and conserve the delicate aromas and flavors of this very cool climate zinfandel. After a 3-day extended maceration (post primary fermentation), the free run wine was placed into a tank for overnight settling, and the pomace (post fermentation skins & seeds) was transferred into a large basket press where the remaining wine was extracted and maintained separate from the free run juice. The wine was then moved to 60 gallon French oak barrels to begin their malolactic fermentation and ageing process.
Note this is a FIELD BLEND which means when it was planted, the block contained an assortment of " other " varieties than zinfandel. To be sure the vast majority of the block is zinfandel, but the originators frequently planted other varieties as had been done " back home " in Italy. There will almost always be some Carignane and frequently some Napa Gamay. In many cases (as here) there may be some white varieties, in the case of this block there is one or two vines of Golden Chassillas. The point is vineyard blocks such as this "Old Vine Field Blend" are increasingly hard to find as most have been replanted to more generous varieties. The resulting wine will ALWAYS have some subtle characteristics that can not be found in a modern block of single varietal and have a beauty and balance that is remarkable in addition more interesting and rewarding aromatics and flavors.
| HARVEST DATE | September 2015 |
| BOTTLE DATE | July 2017 |
| RELEASE DATE | November 2017 |
| CASES PRODUCED | 200 |
| ALCOHOL | 14.8% |
| HARVEST BRIX | 24.0º |
| BARREL TREATMENT | 30% New & 70% Neutral French Oak |
| pH | 3.54 |
| TA | 8.0 |