2009 Dry Creek Valley "Gold Mine Ranch" Zinfandel
98% Zinfandel
2% Carignane
Our first fruit of the vintage! Picked September 12th, the 95-year-old vines yielded a respectable 1.5 tons to the acre. Approximately two percent Carignane was included in the mix. After gently destemming the fruit with only minimal crushing, the must was cold soaked for five days to extract as much goodness as possible prior to fermentation. Sixteen days on the skins. All French oak but only 8% new. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium to medium-dark ruby-garnet. Fragrant, perfumed aromas of cherries, red currants, and anise lead to similar flavors on the palate. Succulent and supple on entry with tangy acidity and lively tannins accentuating the iron-like mineral notes so often found in Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels. Really develops on day two, becoming quite harmonious and complete. Easily the best Gold Mine we’ve made to date. Enjoy 2012 through 2018. (MRO – 09/25/11)