2005 Zinfandel - Russian River Valley / Collins Vineyard

GRAPE SOURCE
The Collins Vineyard (also known as Limerick Lane Vineyard) is one of the most recognized Zinfandel vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Gary sourced Zinfandel from this vineyard for many years up until 1993 and today we are proud to have access again to this spectacular fruit. The old vines of the Collins Vineyard were mostly planted between 1910 and 1930 and are head-pruned for low yields, small berries and intense flavor.

WINEMAKING
This wine is composed of 93% Collins Vineyard Zinfandel from Russian River Valley with tiny amounts of Bradford Mountain Zinfandel and a touch of Pinot Noir and Merlot. The Collins Zinfandel was picked on September 30th of 2005, de-stemmed but not crushed, and allowed to cold soak for five days before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. It was matured in a mix of new, 1 year-old and 2 year-old French oak barrels for 12 and a half months prior to bottling. The long, cool 2005 growing season is evident in this wine’s exceptional elegance and balance.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This 2005 Collins Vineyard Zinfandel has intense briary, wild berry aromas. It is medium-full bodied and concentrated, with rich texture and lush flavors centered on of a core of blackberry fruit accented with notes of cardamom, pepper, cedar and bay leaf. Allowed time to mature, this highly structured Zinfandel will evolve into a supple, beautiful wine. Try this intense Zinfandel with braised pork shoulder and wilted greens.

Bottled: December 6, 2006
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Alcohol: 14.8%
Case Production: 311
Acid/pH: 0.81/3.20
Released: September 2007
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley