2009 ZINFANDEL - WINE NOTES

•GRAPE SOURCING•

Grapes for our California Zinfandel were harvested predominantly from vineyards in the Lodi area in California’s Sacramento River Delta.  Lodi has emerged as a star for producing intense, fruity Zin with ripe berry flavors.  Grapes are cooled off on warm Central Valley days by the breezes off the Delta, extending the growing season and adding layers of flavor. The addition of Petite Verdot provides additional complexity and depth to the wine.

•VINTAGE•

2009 was an excellent growing year in Lodi and California.  It was a cool, moderate vintage with the grapes growing quickly and the vines producing a large crop.  Many growers thinned the crop in order to preserve acidity and concentration in the grapes.  While most of the growing season was cooler than normal, a heat spell in early September allowed the grapes to fully ripen.  Most Lodi Zin was harvested during that time, resulting in good maturity and sugar levels.  In October, an 18-hour downpour dumped 6-10 inches of rain in many growing areas, followed by rain on and off for the remainder of harvest, but this did not impact the harvest for our Zinfandel grapes.  Zinfandel from Lodi in 2009 tends to display lots of heady aromatic scents, fine tannin and rich structure, and the 2009 Zinfandel is no exception.

•WINEMAKING•

Ripe, crisp Zinfandel flavors were enhanced by careful blending with other red varietals, including Petite Verdot, which adds a touch of spice, richness and grip to the blend. 

Wine analysis: 0.59% total acid, 3.64 pH, and 13.9% alcohol, by volume

•SOMMELIER NOTES•

Crisp red berry and currant flavors, a touch of allspice and a smooth yet crisp finish.  This wine is versatile and fun to try with a wide range of dishes.