2010 Sonoma Valley "Rossi Ranch" Zinfandel
91% Zinfandel
9% Petite Sirah
Rossi is back! Like Papa’s Block, no Rossi Ranch Zinfandel was produced in 2009. The old vines were pruned late to avoid frost but in doing so, ripening was delayed and we got caught by October rains. Fortunately, there were no such problems in 2010. A new frost protection system was installed, enabling the vines to be pruned earlier than in the past. Nevertheless, with the cool, foggy summer, picking did not commence until October 16th. We included 9% Rossi Ranch Petite Sirah to enhance the texture and length of the palate. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Very dark ruby-garnet. A brooding nose of red currants, black cherry, orange rind, and freshly tilled loam. Très serieux! On the palate, rich but not heavy, with flavors of dark cherries, bittersweet cocoa, and the signature Rossi garrigue (a resinous herbal quality that reminds me of walking through a forest). Suave tannins frame the wine nicely, giving ample structure to ensure further development. Enjoy from 2013 through 2019. (MRO – 01/17/12)