$18.00

TASTING NOTES

After a two year hiatus, our 2005 Sonoma County Zinfandel was produced from fruitgrown on our Dry Creek Valley ranch and our Alexander Valley Estate. Following a near perfect spring and early summer, the weather turned cooler and the grapes sugars were slow to rise. This led to beautifully mature and ripe berries, which is a good thing, however, all the varieties matured at once, which can prove to be difficult. We picked the Zinfandel quickly over a two night period and once crushed, the juice was placed in small open-top fermentors. Most of the 2005 lots went through extended post fermentation to extend the fruit quality and color. The finished wine is both rich and complex with flavors typical of our Estate fruit. Aromas of cherries, plum and anise lead to layers of blackberry, herbs, cedar and tobacco. The finish is long and sweet with firm tannins that will allow cellaring for 4-6 years. However, please enjoy a bottle this evening.

ACCOLADES

DOUBLE GOLD - 2007 North of The Gate Wine Competition

TECHNICAL NOTES

Varietal/Blend: 76% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 4% Syrah

Case Production: 1975 cases @ 12 x 750 ml/case

Appellation: Sonoma County

Harvest: October 21, 2005

Fermentation: Small, open topped fermentors and stainless steel tanks.

Barrel Aging: 15 months in 20% new American and European Oak, 80% two-three year.

Bottled: April, 2007

Release Date: July, 2007

Alcohol: 14.9%

Residual Sugar: 0.35%

Total Acid:0.59g/100ml

pH: 3.77