2008 Dry Creek Valley "Gold Mine Ranch" Zinfandel
98% Zinfandel
2% Carignane
While many Dry Creek Zinfandel vineyards suffered from heat and low humidity at the end of August, the 94 year-old vines of Gold Mine Ranch, tucked amongst the forested, cooler hills of southwest Dry Creek Valley, survived quite well. Picked September 4th, the must was cold soaked for five days before fermentation began naturally on its own. Pressed to all very tight-grained French oak, 28% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium to medium-dark ruby-garnet. Scents of kirsch liqueur are intertwined with hints of iron and loamy earth. No doubt this is Dry Creek Zinfandel! Full-bodied on the palate with a suppleness that belies its structure and framework underneath the red cherry fruit. Finishes seductive and silky with impressive length. This should be enjoyable on release but will age well through 2017. (MRO – 3/15/10)