91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Produced from 8 acres of vines grown on their Estate Vineyard nestled in the hills of Dry Creek Valley. This a medium-plus bodied wine and displays aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry balanced with bright acid and satisfying grip. Lush notes of cassis, cocoa powder, and vanilla round out the palate on their estate gem. Bring on the meats!
Winemaking
The fruit was de-stemmed only so that whole berries were transferred to open top fermenters, to help capture bright fruit aromas and flavors. After 5 days of a cold soak the tanks were warmed which allowed the juice to ferment naturally. The tanks were punched down 2-3 times per day for 10 days allowing skin contact for color and flavor extraction. The wine was then drained off the skins and placed in 30% New American oak barrels.
Analysis
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Harvest Date: September 2017
Aging: 30% new French oak for 10 months
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1500 cases
91 Points, Wine Spectator
This is a big wine with luxurious texture. Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Loaded with old-vine character in every sip. Combining 42% Carignane, 38% Mourvèdre and 20% Zinfandel, from vines over 130 years in age. Dark red in color with black cherry, cassis, pomegranate, plum, cocoa, and highlights of cranberry, black pepper, tar and earth. Velvety mouthfeel, great structure with black cherry, pomegranate, chocolate, tar and peppery spice. Satisfies the palate with a long spicy fruit driven finish.