WINE LABEL:
* 72% Zinfandel, 20% Carigane, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro (Mourvedre). 14.8% alcohol by volume.
* Bottled in Jan 2010. Two consecutive years of limited rainfall challenged the growing season, but because yields were low, the vines escaped serious water stress. Sampling began in mid-August, showing ripeness on track for a month-long September harvest. In tank, color and tannin extraction was unusually rapid, as were uninoculated primary fermentations. We reduced pump-overs and pressed early, avoid harsher tannins.. Zinfandel and carignane showed exceptional quality and form the core of the blend. (Wines from the petite sirah parcels were two tannic; the six percent included comes from a field blend.) Natural secondary fermentation finished quickly and we coudl rack to barrel a month ahead of schedule.
* Twenty percent new oak adds exotic spice. Superb concentration and firm acid will allow this find Zinfandel to develop over the next ten to fifteen years.

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