2004 Russian River Valley "Tom Feeney Ranch" Zinfandel
93% Zinfandel
7% Mixed Blacks (Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir de la Calmette)
Uh-oh! Seems Tom Feeney Ranch doesn’t like playing second fiddle to Carlisle Vineyard! Yes, this vineyard has been giving our own estate vineyard a run for the money. But hey, who says we can’t have two “Grand Cru” Zinfandels, two top dogs? As in 2003, yields in this 78 year-old vineyard didn’t even hit the one ton per acre mark. Fermented indigenously and bottled unfined and unfiltered after 15 months in French oak, 28% new.
Tasting Note:
Black ruby-purple in color. Deep, dark aromas of black raspberries, eucalyptus, and chocolate. On the palate, full-bodied, unctuous but so seamless and balanced. At least as good as the 2003 and probably better. Although drinkable at release, best from 2007 through 2010. (MRO – 1/28/06)