Our first red wine release from the 2017 vintage is here.
After a wet winter that ended the recent drought cycle, a normal crop load and steady harvest weather paved the way for beautifully balanced fruit for our 2017 Zinfandel.
This wine comes from three separate blocks at our estate Margarita Vineyard, with each contributing to a larger sense of character and complexity in the finished wine. Block 49D sets the tone with jammy dark fruit flavors derived from hilltop exposures, while the lower Block 49A contributes a dimension of red fruit and spice. Block 48 splits the difference between red and black fruits with its own spicy nuances.
After fermentation and light pressing, the individual lots were racked to a combination of French (44%), American (53%) and Hungarian (3%) oak barrels (comprised of 25% new oak), where they aged for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Small lots of Petit Verdot (5%) and Petite Sirah (5%) were incorporated into the final blend for added color, depth and structure.
The result is a wine that presents bright boysenberry aromas with hints of sandalwood and vanilla. A juicy, jammy texture is loaded with generous flavors of wild raspberry, black cherry, plum, mocha and cedar. Spicy black pepper notes join mouthwatering acidity on a beautifully balanced finish.
