2010 Sonoma Valley "Bedrock Vineyard" Zinfandel
86% Zinfandel
11% Mourvèdre
3% Mixed Black Varieties (Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet)
This is one valley floor vineyard that seemed to handle the devastating heat of August quite well. Picked over two dates, September 25th and September 30th, each lot was fermented separately, one using a Rhône isolate yeast and the other using yeasts indigenous to our area. New French oak was kept to a modest 25%. After malolactic fermentation, we blended in 11% old-vine Bedrock Mourvèdre to complete the mid-palate. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark garnet. A fascinating nose of stone fruits such as peaches and apricots are mixed with a tinge of blackberry. As my grandmother would say, A-B-C-Delicious! On the palate, medium-full to full bodied with flavors of peach and cherry. Smooth as silk, pleasing acidity and tannin kick in on the finish. An old-vine Zinfandel of great harmony and balance. Optimum enjoyment should be from 2013 through 2018. (MRO – 07/18/12)