Once again, these century-old, low yielding vines produced some wonderful fruit. In fact, not only is this the finest Gum Tree to date, it's one of the finest Zinfandels we've yet to produce. Alas, this is also our last vintage of Gum Tree as the vineyard has been sold for commercial real estate development. What a shame to lose such a historic Sonoma county treasure.

Picked October 4th, a larger percentage of Petite Sirah and Grand Noir de la Calmette made it into the tank than in years past. Yields were considerably lower than in 2000, at about 1 ton an acre. Inoculated with BM45 after a 4 day cold soak, fermentation proceeded slowly but steadily, finishing off in barrel when pressed 12 days later. Like our 2001 Tom Feeney Ranch Zinfandel, the wine was aged in all French oak, 33% new.