2003 Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley / Bradford Mountain Vineyards
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100% Zinfandel from Bradford Mountain Vineyards, owned by the Hambrecht family, are located on the northwestern side of Dry Creek Valley at an elevation of 1000 feet. Eighty acres are planted to primarily zinfandel, and smaller amounts of cabernet sauvignon and syrah grapes. The zinfandel vines are thought to be the “Century Clone,” with some vines now over 100 years old.
WINEMAKING
This fruit was hand harvested in the early morning and carefully hand sorted to remove any imperfections from the clusters. As with our pinot noir production, the zinfandel grapes are allowed to “cold soak” in open top fermenters prior to yeast fermentation to allow for optimal flavor and color extraction. Our style focuses on producing fully flavored and colored wines, which are true to the varietal and favor elegance, finesse and balance over huge extraction, high tannin and excessive alcohol. Wines produced from Bradford Mountain tend to be far more complex and intense and maintain greater natural acidity and a firmer structure than those produced from the more fertile valley soils.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Wonderful spicy aromas of eucalyptus and anise, bittersweet chocolate and pungent wild blueberries. The intense, impressively concentrated fruit sits at center stage and is marvelously complimented by sweet smoky oak and well-proportioned tannins. This generous offering finishes long and full. Enjoy with barbecued meats and savory pork dishes.
Bottled: November 2004
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Case Production: 315
Acid/pH: 0.75/3.16
Released: September 2005
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley