2002 Sonoma County Zinfandel
55% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Fava Ranch
21% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Duarte Vineyard
19% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Teldeschi Ranch
5% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah, Unti Vineyard
While merely a "county" designation, we do not consider this to be any lesser of a wine than our other Zinfandels. Weighted average age of the vines in this blend is over 71 years old! Each lot was fermented separately with the final blend assembled the following summer. The Fava Ranch contributed beautiful boysenberry and guava-like fruit while the Duarte lent intense spice and black pepper. A few barrels of our Dry Creek Zinfandel from Ray Teldeschi Ranch and a sacrificial bit of our Petite Sirah were included to add structure and body. Like our other wines, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby in color. Beautiful, high-toned aromas of boysenberry, blackberry, and briary, peppery spice. Really gives away how much Russian River Valley fruit went into this wine. On the palate, full-bodied and quite rich but with acidity and structure to ensure ample development in bottle. Juicy and succulent. Peak enjoyment for this wine should be from 2005 through 2010. (MRO - 11/4/03)