2007 Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley, Bradford Mountain Vineyards
GRAPE SOURCE
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
2007 was another example of our region’s remarkable consistency. The short rainy season with less than usual amounts of rain, coupled with the warm spring temperatures led to an early bud break. Subtle spring heat spikes and wind conditions contributed to varying degrees of “shatter” in the vineyard. “Shatter” is when flowers bloom on the vine but don’t get pollinated, thus preventing their development into berries. This shatter, together with the previous year’s large yields, led to a relatively light crop which in turn resulted in smaller berries showing very intense flavor and great color. Once bud break occurred, our weather steadied, making for near perfect ripening conditions which lasted all the way through harvest. It certainly appears that the 2007 vintage from the Russian River Valley will turn out to be one of significant depth and concentration.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
The 2007 Bradford Mountain Zinfandel has concentrated dark fruit aromas of ripe black cherry and plum along with spicy notes of white pepper, anise and warm spices. Lavender, licorice and vanilla also play a supporting role. Reflective of the strong vintage, the palate shows rich notes of ripe strawberry, plum and cherry. Rose petal, roasted grains, pepper and dried tobacco add layers of complexity.
Winemaker: Susan Reed Varietal
Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Alcohol: 14.7%
Case Production: 566
Released: May 2009
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
PAST VINTAGES
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