2014 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
60% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Teldeschi Ranch
29% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Mounts Ranch
11% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah, Del Carlo Ranch
In 2014, fortune smiled upon us and we were able to coferment Ray Teldeschi’s old-vine Zin with his Del Carlo Ranch Petite Sirah. It’s rare that the two lots are in same picking window but when they are, as in 2002, pure magic! Cofermentation seems to create something greater than the sum of the parts, a one-plus-one-equals-three kind of thing. The final blend consists of 29% Mounts Zin, 60% Teldeschi Zin, and 11% Del Carlo Petite Sirah. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-red. Deeply fruited aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and just a kiss of vanilla (but by no means oaky!). Smooth and full-bodied with plenty of concentrated fruit, the Petite Sirah tannins definitely make themselves known in the sappy and energetic finish. A much more harmonious, concentrated, and fruit-filled rendition than the excellent 2013. If the 2013 was Audrey Hepburn, this is more Jane Russell. Yes, gentlemen do prefer Zinfandels! For optimum pleasure, we’d recommend holding until 2017 and then enjoying anytime until 2023. (MRO – 01/19/16)