Zinfandel 2018, Tradizionale, Dry Creek Valley
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One of the Dry Creek Valley's greatest traditions is consistently producing the most interesting and tastiest Zinfandels. This Zinfandel is the product of a single vineyard planted in 1902 that is dry farmed and field blended with a small percentage of other varietals. Our tribute to the early Italian winegrowing families of Dry Creek Valley.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Zinfandel
Appellation
Dry Creek Valley
Vineyard Designation
West Vineyard
Harvest Date
10/4/2018
Sugar
26.4 brix
Acid
7.3 g/l
pH
3.41
Aging
22 months in 25% new Hungarian oak barrels, 75% 4-8 year-old neutral oak barrel
Bottling Date
8/7/2020
Residual Sugar
0
Alcohol %
16.1
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The intensity and depth on the nose and mouth showcase the character and age of these old Zinfandel vines. Deep aromas of spicy red and black berries layer with hints of fine herbs and fresh toffee. The smooth entry flows into a bright mid-palate of ripe blackberry, Santa Rosa plum, Bing cherry and just a kiss of rhubarb pie. Caramel, spices and a hint of floral weave through the buoyant fruit flavors that expand and linger long. Integrated oak and lively acidity provide the perfect structure to support this delicious example of what old vines can deliver.
Vineyard Notes
West Vineyard, planted in 1902, is a dry-farmed, head- trained Zinfandel vineyard located on a hillside in the southeast corner of Dry Creek Valley. A traditional field-blend vineyard; a small portion is planted with 3% other red grapes (Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Mourvedre, Carignane and some others I’m not really sure about), as well as 0.5% white grapes (Semillon, Palomino and Chasselas). All the vines are harvested
at the same time and all the varieties are cofermented, which produces a smoother, fuller wine than separate fermentations and subsequent blending can give you.
Winemaker Notes
This is the kind of wine that really got me hooked on Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. A traditional, old-vine field-blend wine with classic “raspberry jam” that differentiates the best Dry Creek Valley Zins from all others. Big, but balanced. Fruity, yet elegant. This is
a wine that will go with almost any food, but you can also just pull the cork on a bottle and drink it with friends while playing cards or watching a good movie.
Food Pairing Notes
Try this classic Zin with grilled pork chops with roasted garlic gremolata, or beef-pork-veal meatballs over fresh- made spaghetti.