This Reserve Zinfandel is a blend of some of the very best vineyards in Mendocino County, some of them over 50 years old. The grapes were grown in the hills and bench lands in shallow rocky soils with excellent exposures, which consistently produces grapes that are intensely ripe and flavorful. 48 months of barrel ageing in French Burgundy oak barrels has softened the wine and added complexity to the elegant, fruity aromas and intense full flavors of dark berries. This wine possesses smooth rich tannins and a long, luscious finish. This Zinfandel makes and ideal accompaniment to roasted meats and hearty Italian fare.
Wine Notes: This reserve zinfandel comes from three of the best vineyards in Mendocino County, Tournour, Bertozzi and Kazmet. Tournour Vineyard is located on the eastern benchlands of redwood Valley and consistently produces top quality grapes. Lee Bertozzi, a veteran of selling wine for 44 years. His 56-year old Zinfandel vineyard is grown just above the Russian River east of the Calpella Township in Mendocino County. Shallow gravelly clay soils of this vineyard consistently produce grapes that intensely ripe and flavorful.
Neal Mettler and Leila Kazimi, the husband and wife team who own the 50+ year old Kazmet Vineyard. Head-pruned, no irrigation, gravelly loam soils and excellent exposure are exactly why there is something very special about Redwood Valley Zinfandel. This old vine vineyard yields smaller clusters which increase the quality and flavor; gravelly loam soils with no irrigation provide stress, leading to intensity and complexity that consistently produce grapes that are intense and ripe.
After a long, slow fermentation, the wine is aged for 36 months in 30% new French Burgundy oak, softening the tannins and adding length and depth to the blackberry-jam aromas and ripe, earthy, spicy flavors with nuances of tar and toasty French oak. This wine has a deep purple color, rich tannins and a peppery finish that is elegant and long lasting.
Harvest: Hand-harvested October 6th – November 5th, 2017
Length/Type of Fermentation: Crushed into open top fermenters with 4 days of cold soak, pumped over and punched down twice a day for 16 days.
Length/Type of Aging: Barrel aged a total of 36 months in French Burgundy oak (30% new).
Food Pairing: This wine makes an ideal accompaniment to barbecued chicken, roast beef, and grilled steak or lamb.
Blend: 90% Zinfandel 10% Petite Sirah
Cases Produced: 235
Alcohol: 15.7%
Total Acidity: 0.83
pH: 3.55
Residual Sugar: 0.12% (dry)
