2011 Russian River Valley "Papera Ranch" Zinfandel
100% Zinfandel
After the devastating loss of the 2010 crop to the freak heat event of August 23rd and 24th, it was a huge relief to get the 2011 into tank. I’m sure owner Stuart Coulson felt the same! We weren’t sure how the 77-year-old vines would respond after the damage but man did they deliver the goods (nearly 2.4 tons to the acre!), resulting in a Papera that qualitatively rivals the 2009, one of our favorites to date. Picked October 1st. Twenty days on the skins. All French oak, 25% new. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby garnet. Assertive, perfumed aromas of raspberry and red cherry are complemented by notes of blood orange, rose petal, and briery spice. A heavenly sniff! On the palate, full-bodied with a burst of red fruit, spice, and a touch of vanilla (but by no means oaky). Quite long and persistent on the finish. Approachable today, enjoy this wine from release through 2021. (MRO – 07/18/13)