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Wine Details
Price:
$34.00 per bottle
Description:
The second dry year of a drought cycle combined with sunny conditions late in the year to enable Winemaker Bruce McGuire to craft an amazing example of his Zinfandel Essence.
Seven acres of Zinfandel were planted in the Lafond Vineyard back in 1972, before the cool climate nature of the surroundings was completely understood. Big, forward raspberry fruit that seems more intense than traditional Zinfandel from warmer climates is the hallmark of our Zinfandel and genesis of the inspiration for a late harvest style from these grapes. In 2003, our Zinfandel vines were starting to show their age as they were "shutting down" prior to the grapes being ready for harvest. While this was part of the reason the fruit dehydrated nicely for Zinfandel Essence, it was clear the vines were at the end of their viticultural lives. Indeed, in 2004 and 2005 the harvest was paltry from our Zinfandel with no possibility for Essence.
As cellar master Burt always says, "out with a bang!". This is the last vintage of this wine as the only Zinfandel in the Santa Rita Hills now passes on to history. And what a last vintage it is, huge concentrated flavor combine with impeccable acid/sugar balance to make a powerful dessert wine perfect for the contemplation of things past. Cold, stainless steel fementation preserved maximum fruit character setting the stage for enjoyment with all things chocolate.
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Varietal Definition
Zinfandel:
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California wine vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in the 'heel' of Italy. It is typically made into a robust red wine. Its taste depends on the ripeness of the grapes from which it is made. Red berry fruits like raspberry predominate in wines from cooler areas such as the Napa Valley, whereas blackberry, anise and pepper notes are more common in wines made in warmer areas such as Sonoma County. Many Zinfandels come from head pruned ‘Old Vines’. ‘Old Vine’ is generally understood to mean a vine that is more than 50 years old and that produces less than three tons per acre. ‘Head Pruning’ is an old European style of pruning that trains the vine into the shape of a goblet. It requires no wires or other complex trellis systems. Head pruning spreads the fruit uniformly along the vine and allows light penetration.In the USA a semi-sweet Rosé (blush-style) wine called ‘White Zinfandel’ has achieved widespread popularity. In fact, this popularity has so outstripped all other forms that many fans think there is actually a grape called “White Zinfandel” (there isn’t)!
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