2005 Russian River Valley "Tom Feeney Ranch" Zinfandel
89% Zinfandel
11% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir de la Calmette, Petite Sirah)
In 2005, Tom Feeney Ranch (planted 1926) was picked later than ever before, coming in on October 25th. But despite the late picking, the fruit has never been more perfect. Without any severe heat in the final stretch of harvest, the fruit dehydrated very little, simply building more and more flavor as sugars slowly crept upward. The result? Easily one of our finest Zinfandels to date. Fermented indigenously and aged in all French oak, 30% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-purple in color. Verging on opaque. Perfumed aromas of black raspberries, boysenberries, and bittersweet chocolate. On the palate, full-bodied but with wonderful balance. Tannins and acidity dictate this wine be given at least a year in bottle after release. Best from 2008 through 2012. (MRO – 3/1/07)