2000 Alexander Valley Zinfandel
92% Zinfandel
8% Carignane
The grapes for this wine come from the oldest block of the St. Clair Vineyard in Alexander Valley. I asked George St. Clair, now 94 years old, if he knew how old the vines were. Chewing on a stump of an old cigar, he grumbled, "Hell, these were old vines when my father bought the ranch in 1930!" It's no surprise then that yields were barely 2/3 of a ton an acre.
Gently destemmed, leaving about 60% whole berries, the must was cold soaked for 6 days before inoculation with an alcohol tolerant yeast isolate known as " Williams-Selyem ". After 14 days on the skins, the wine was pressed into 2 to 3 year-old French oak barrels.
Tasting Note:
On the nose, lifted aromas of chocolate, ripe red cherries, and pomegranate. An intriguing floral, honey note as well. The wine enters very full and rich, leading to a wonderful burst of cherry fruit in the mouth. Ample acidity (amazingly, all from the grapes, none was added) helps lead to a long finish. This Zinfandel is appealing now but should continue to drink well for 2 to 5 years from vintage date. (MRO - 12/15/01)