The year began with plentiful rains soaking the valley and was followed by a mild Spring. Typical weather patterns moved through the summer with August beautifully developing the fruit. Then an early September heatwave brought immediacy to harvest before cooler weather allowed sugar and acid balances to settle into norms for harvest. By harvesting in early October, we were able to benefit from an excellent growing season delivering a vintage characterized by excellent complexity of flavor, finesse, and sophistication in the barrel.
The beautiful deep berry color is only a prelude to an aromatic nose filled with cassis and a bit of smoke and pepper. This Zinfandel features an inviting balance of spice and creamy oak undertones which flesh out the juicy blackberry, pomegranate, and light citrus flavors this vineyard is known for. A long and soft silky finish completes this fresh and sassy Zin. Our 2017 Zinfandel exemplifies the varietal characteristics in a balanced, elegant package to complement traditional pairings of cheese, roast meats, poultry, and pasta. The exceptional bright character of this vintage will pair perfectly with Mediterranean seasonings and Southern spiced foods and especially savory dishes. This wine is beautiful upon release and benefits from moderate decanting. Cellar time will evolve the wine for 2-5 years. Enjoy!