2017 Sonoma Valley "Bedrock Vineyard" Zinfandel
94% Zinfandel (includes a couple percent mixed black varieties)
3% Mourvèdre
3% Petite Sirah
Oh how fickle Mother Nature can be! Last year, yields here were approximately 2.5 tons to the acre. This year? Approximately 1.5 tons to the acre. Hence, for better fermentation dynamics, both our blocks were picked on the same day, August 30th, and cofermented together. The following spring, we blended a bit of Bedrock Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah to add volume to the mid-palate. Lightly fined with one egg white per barrel to polish the palate but bottled unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby. Deep, concentrated aromas of black cherry, earth, and sweet tobacco leaf. A hint of orange peel as well. On the palate, medium-full to full-bodied with flavors of cherry, cracked black pepper, and earth. I lika da peppa! Very clean and very pure with muscular tannins building in the mineral-driven finish. A wine that will greatly reward patience. Enjoy late 2020 through 2028. (MRO - 11/01/19)