· The aromatics are ripe and inviting, with layers of raspberry jam, chocolate-covered cherries and clove, all underscored by subtler notes of vanilla and sweet cedar
· A full, rich jammy entry offers immediate pleasure, with rich milk chocolate flavors supporting a juicy mid-palate
· The finish is long, textured and sophisticated, with lingering flavors of tobacco, dried sage and lavender
· 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
Composition
69% Zinfandel, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin
Appellation: Yountville, Napa Valley
Harvest Dates: October 10 — October 28, 2009
Aging & Oak
16 months in oak
100% French oak
50% new
Production and Technical Data
Average Sugar at Harvest: 25.5° Brix
Alcohol: 14.5%
0.60 g/ml titratable acidity
pH: 3.79
Bottled: June 2011
Released: February 2012