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92 Pts | Wine Spectator | February 2022
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Reserve Zinfandel flavors and aromas linger in this elegant and expressive Zinfandel. Juicy dark cherry, fresh boysenberry, and blackberry pie lift deep notes of black tea, baking chocolate, and spice. The wine is focused from beginning to end, with supple tannins, good structure, and a refreshing acidity on the finish.
Vintage Notes
The 2019 harvest began before dawn on August 30 after a growing season that started with record rainfall during winter and ended with warm, even temperatures. With few heat spikes, our vineyards had optimal conditions to develop full-flavored fruit with remarkable color and balanced acidity. Spring rains ended in time for good fruit set, and the temperate summer allowed for long hang times and consistent, even ripening. We picked the majority of our fruit in September, and the weather continued to cooperate through the end of harvest in October.
Vineyard Notes
This Reserve wine is a combination of both valley floor and hillside fruit from the northern end of Dry Creek Valley, a renowned Zinfandel growing region. Warm summer heat and well-drained soils result in concentrated, intense fruit. This Reserve wine also includes Petite Sirah. The thick skins and hefty tannins of these grapes add color and texture to the wine while also contributing balance and length.
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Reserve Zinfandel grapes were hand-sorted and underwent an extended cold-soak for five days. Infrequent pumpovers during fermentation allowed for greater color extraction and the ability to control tannin levels. We then allowed the wine to age for 20 months in oak barrels, 40% new, to achieve full integration.
