2020 Russian River Valley "Papera Ranch" Zinfandel
96% Zinfandel
4% Carignan
In this low yielding year, Papera Ranch was a bit of a bright spot with production of 2.4 tons to the acre. Picked in four passes over a total of nine days, our goal was to create as broad a palette of flavors and aromas as possible for blending the final wine. The strategy worked so well that in doing blending trials, our favorite blend was the combination of all tanks. The kitchen sink! Like many of our wines in the vintage, very little new oak. Ten percent to be exact. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028. (MRO - 07/18/22)