2003 Sonoma County "Riebli Ranch" Zinfandel
94% Zinfandel
6% Petite Sirah
After missing the 2002 vintage due to frost, our Riebli Ranch Zinfandel is back! These 97 year-old organically farmed vines don’t produce a lot of fruit (roughly one ton to the acre), but the quality is always fantastic. In 2003, we picked the vineyard twice, fermenting the two tons of Zinfandel separately from the two tons of Petite Sirah. The following spring, after conducting benchtop trials, we created the final blend – 94% Zinfandel and 6% Petite Sirah. Bottled unfined and unfiltered after 15 months barrel aging.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby in color with aromas of plums, blackberries, blueberries, dark earth, and chocolate. Yum! Truly Carlilian on the palate showing perfect ripeness and extract but with a sense of balance and elegance. Although drinkable on release, this wine will be best from late 2006 through 2009. (MRO - 3/3/05)