Zinfandel
Old Vines / Old Clones
Dry Creek Valley, Certified Organic
2006

Our Zinfandel is jammy and briary, with aroma sensations of brushing against wild blackberry bushes on a hot summer day. A bit of pepper, clove and cinnamon provides punctuation. Small crops and shallow hillside soils bring intensity of flavor while the warmth of our end of Dry Creek Valley ensures generous ripeness and a soft, rich finish. Petite Sirah is added to the blend to increase complexity and to emulate the field- blends of earlier times.

We have propagated three original pre-prohibition clones of Zinfandel onto adjacent hillside and benchland soils to preserve the traditional flavors of our property. We still maintain the gnarled head-trained shape of the oldest surviving vines, but we have been experimenting with modern trellising for the new plantings. Crop levels range from 1 to 4 tons per acre depending on age of the vines; we feel the wines benefit from such conservative treatment.

The rich middle palate and spicy tannins of our Zinfandel give it a food versatility ranging from sweet vine-ripe vegetables to red meat. Though not an Italian grape we side with our ancestral Italian neighbors who preferred it with their pungently herbed and garlicky-spicy dishes. Perhaps begin with pasta bucatini with roasted red peppers, capers, anchovies, and chili flakes; follow with a simple grilled veal chop dressed with a parsley and garlic sauce.

Technical Data
Varietals: 90% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah
Vintage: 2006
Estate Grapes: 100%
Years Planted: 1910, 1940, 1985, 1995
Soil: Red Clay Bench Loam Over Gravel
Release Date: 01/02/2008
Total Cases: 960
CA Retail: $31.00

Aging Potential
10 years from vintage

Updated: January 8, 2008