2016 Estate Zinfandel

• Varieties:
  100% Zinfandel
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles -Templeton Gap
• Average brix at harvest:
  25.9
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  14.7%
• Acidity:
  0.71g/100ml
• pH:
  3.67
• Residual sugar:
  0.19 g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  March 28, 2018
• Cases produced:
  522
• Retail Price:
  $ 26.00

Growing conditions:
Winter rainfall improved but 2016 featured another early budbreak and horrific frost in late March with whites and early reds losing significant crop. Resulting in an early smaller harvest with excellent quality due to the miniscule crop from the on-going drought and frost.

Winemaking:
The grapes were hand harvested and crushed into a stainless fermentor, then inoculated 24 hours later with RX-60 yeast. The must was pumped over twice daily for 13 days prior to pressing. After completion of malolactic fermentation, this wine was aged in Hungarian & American oak barrels for 16 months prior to bottling.

Tasting notes:
Intense, explosive aromas of red raspberries,with notes of blackberry and bittersweet chocolate. Elegant tannins with vibrant berry flavors complimented by hints of oak and a racy, crisp finish.

Cellaring:
While delightful now, this concentrated Zinfandel will continue to develop in the bottle with proper cellaring for another 4-6 years with a plateau of best drinkability from 2019-2022.

Food selection:
We believe this Zinfandel enhances any number of meals with rich sauces (especially red). It continues to be our favorite red wine with seafood and chicken dishes.