· The aromatics are filled with big, beautiful red fruit notes of cherry and raspberry, alongside sweet spice, mocha and cedar
· On the palate, this wine is smooth and inviting, with well-integrated tannins and lingering raspberry and dark chocolate flavors
· 2009 presented certain challenges—from early shatter to late-season rain
· We responded with site-specific techniques that included aggressive leafing, an early thinning protocol and a heavy field sort to select only the most desirable grapes
· Attention to detail in the vineyards, and during harvest and sorting, yielded high quality fruit
HARVEST
September 10 – October 23, 2009
COMPOSITION
69% Zinfandel
31% Merlot
PRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL DATA
Average Sugar at Harvest: 26.8° Brix
Alcohol: 14.5%
0.61 g/ml titratable acidity
pH: 3.50
AGING & OAK
16 months in 30% new oak
50% French, 50% American
BOTTLED: June 2011
RELEASED: October 2011