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Mountain vineyards are known for tremendous acid retention, smaller clusters and low yields, resulting in intense, balanced and well-extracted fruit. The vineyard components and varietal percentages may change from year to year, depending upon the combination yielding the finest wines. When blended together the resulting wine yields amazing complexity and richness. The addition of a small percentage of cabernet franc provides good acid balance and a firm structure and stature to the wine.

Fresh aromas of Gravenstein apple blossoms, vanilla bean and Asian pear. Wonderfully complex and layered with rich tropical fruit flavors, green apple and pear accented with citrus notes. Impressive balance, length and refreshing, mouth-watering acidity. Truly delicious, and crafted to be an ideal accompaniment to a wide array of moderately spiced foods.

This wine, our 2001 Encounter, not only affords us the challenge to produce a region-specific wine, but also to develop a unique proprietary blend from the most noble Bordeaux varietal grapes. We harvest small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes from some of Sonoma County's most exciting "mountain" vineyards with the intention of crafting this wine. The vineyard components and varietal percentages may change from year to year, depending upon the combination yielding the finest wine.

Otis Holt has single-handedly created and crafted a true artisan vineyard. When we visit his property, it is obvious the pride he takes in his vineyard and the fruit that he grows. He can be seen walking through his vineyard, positioning and repositioning the leaf canopy (he refers to as solar collectors) and has been known to hand turn the berry clusters to insure each and every cluster ripens uniformly. We are fortunate to work with growers like Otis, and the quality of this wine is a direct reflection of the care and love he has for his vineyard.

Ambitious aromas of sweet cedar, mocha, and juicy black cherry fruit. The dark berry fruits explode in the mouth and continue through its impeccably balanced, wonderfully long finish. The structure-building component of cabernet sauvignon adds beautifully integrated tannins without compromising the accessible nature of this generous, mouth-filling wine.

Intense aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit. The incredible richness of this wine centers around succulent dark berry flavors, enhanced by lavish, spicy oak elements. This deeply colored pinot noir has evolving layers of complexity, with a silky, sensual, lengthy finish. The wonderful balancing acidity ensures excellent compatibility with a wide range of foods, including salmon, lamb and pork dishes.

Intense tart cherry, blackberry, and dried cranberry flavors, complimented by structure-building tannins and luscious oak. The flavors are endless on the palate, with layers that continue to evolve. This wine is well-balanced, clean and complex. Wonderful purity of fruit and vineyard contributions combine to build balance between its many fruit and structural components.

Bright, forward aromas of ripe grapefruit, lime zest and gooseberry. Flavors mirror the aromas, enhanced with hints of apricot and kiwi. This wine shows surprising richness on the mid-palate, while never straying from its focus on crisp, refreshing acidity. While an ideal companion to cheese plates, shellfish, and cold vegetables, this wine will also stand up to rich, spicy Thai and fish dishes.

Forward aromas of juicy blackberries, wild blueberries and notes of clove. Classic peppery spice and toasty oak enhance the bright, abundant fruit flavors. This full-bodied wine avoids the overwhelming high alcohol, port-like finish found in many zinfandels. It possesses structure, complexity and balance. Truly one of our most exciting vintages. Try this wine with barbecued ribs. Delicious!

Maple Vineyard has been a primary component of our Dry Creek Valley offering since 1997. We have been granted the unique opportunity to select some of the finest, oldest sections of the Maple vineyard for use each year in our Zinfandel production. Occasionally, we highlight individual blocks which show outstanding or unique characteristics, as is true with this release from Tina?s Block.