2008 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley / Bradford Mountain Vineyards
VINEYARDS
Bradford Mountain Vineyards, originally settled by an Italian family in the late 1800’s, is owned by the Hambrecht family. This Dry Creek Valley property is located on the northwestern slope of Bradford Mountain at about 1000 feet elevation. The volcanic, red soils, Boomer loam and Stonyford loam, are reminiscent of Tuscany's terra rosa. Fifty-one acres are planted to Zinfandel; thirty of those acres were planted in 1974 where we source our fruit. Though there is some debate, the Zinfandel vines are thought to be from the “mother” blocks planted in 1900, the Hambrecht/Mead Atlas Peak clones.
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WINEMAKING NOTES
The 2008 growing season was a roller coaster year. It began with dry warm weather that started vines growing early. Then there were freezing temperatures during the spring (down to 23 degrees F. in some areas of Sonoma County) causing some damage due to frost, followed by excessive heat and high wind during bloom. Thereafter we had slightly above average temperatures, followed by slightly below average temperatures all summer long. From a winemaking perspective, the dry growing season produced the benefit of inducing "moderate stress" on the vines, which limited growth of the canopy and focused the vines' energy on the grapes. The smaller berries with the slightly lighter crop combined to produce beautiful concentrated fruit flavors.
TASTING NOTES
The 2008 Bradford Mountain Zinfandel shows deep intensity in appearance with a dark ruby core of color. The developing nose and palate possess medium plus intensity, showing blackberry, baked plum, black cherry and strawberry jam. Some spicy black pepper, chocolate and vanilla also play a supporting role. A soft, supple viscosity and a plethora of sweet, juicy fruits make this a difficult wine to say no to.
TECHNICAL NOTES
- AVA:Dry Creek Valley
- Varietal: 100% Zinfandel
- Harvested: September 11 & 15, 2008
- Bottled: December 1, 2009
- Cases Produced: 456
- Lab Analysis: 14.1% alcohol, 3.48pH,
- 7.30 gm/L titratable acidity
- Release Date: September 1, 2010
PAST VINTAGES
2007 Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley, Bradford Mountain Vineyards
2006 Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley, Bradford Mountain Vineyards
2005 Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley, Bradford Mountain Vineyards
2004 Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley, Bradford Mountain Vineyards
2003 Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley, Bradford Mountain Vineyards