2007 Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Viñas Antiguas

Vineyard

The unique character of our 2007 Zinfandel derives from over four decades of winemaking expertise combined with the mountain terroir of historic Monte Rosso Vineyard and its famous red soils. These 115-year-old vines yield a meager one to one-and-a-half tons per acre. Their distinctive fruit is enhanced by the mineral-rich, well-drained, decomposed volcanic ash soils and by the cooling breezes of San Pablo Bay. The high elevation of the vineyard exposes the fruit to additional sunlight, ensuring consistent ripening. Tight 8x8-foot vine spacing, diligent pruning and dry farming techniques also concentrate the flavors of Monte Rosso grapes.

Vintage

Three cool weeks in April offset an early start to the 2007 growing season. May began very warm, cooled markedly, then warmed up again, resulting in a modest fruit set. Temperatures were ideal through June, and after a few days just over 100°F. around the Fourth of July, pleasant summer weather resumed with moderate days, mild nights and adequate humidity despite a dry year. When heat returned in late August, it was not extreme, and most of September was quite mild, resulting in long hang time and smooth sailing at the winery. The 2007 vintage was simply superb, yielding wines with fully ripe flavors and mature tannins.

Tasting Notes

The gnarly old vines at Monte Rosso Vineyard produced a wine with depth of fruit and subtle nuances befitting its venerable origins. This remarkable fruit enabled us to make a truly distinctive Zinfandel. The wine was aged for 17 months in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak barrels. This beautifully balanced wine offers a lush nose with abundant ripe boysenberry and black raspberry aromas and traces of fresh sage and anise. Sleek and supple on the palate, it displays rich, concentrated flavors of black cherry and blackberry with hints of mocha and spice on a lengthy finish.

This wine is unfined and unfiltered. Drink now or hold for 10-plus years.

Press

May 21st, 2013

93

POINTS

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2010 Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Viñas Antiguas

"(these vines are almost 120 years old; 15.5% alcohol):  Opaque purple.  Heady aromas of candied dark fruits, licorice, violet, woodsmoke and cola.  Stains the palate with deep blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and gains sweetness with air." - (JR) May/June 2013 Issue #168