Vintage Summary

The 2018 growing season was one of the mildest growing seasons in recent memory. Less than average rainfall during the winter months, though the March rains proved to be a savior. The late rains coupled with very cool weather set back the physiological development of all the vine cycles from flowering to fruit set a couple of weeks compared with 2018. Other than the usual heat during June and July, the late summer conditions were very mild and allowed us to ripen fruit later than ever with very slow sugar accumulation and high acid retention. Grapes were picked over two days, on October 1,2 2018.

Winemaking

The grapes were picked by hand, sorted in the field. At the winery the grapes were sorted into a redwood fermenter, whole cluster, with 1% Riesling grapes added into the field blend. Pumped over once daily, pressed after a 11 day fermentation. Elevage in old (10 years) barriques for 18 months on fine lees. Racked to stainless steel one month prior with the addition of Wirz Riesling into the final blend (Zinfandel 91%/Riesling 9%). Unfined, unfiltered. Bottled February 25th, 2020. 210 cases produced.

Wine Stats

Brix at harvest: 24.5

Titratable Acidity: 7.6 g/L

pH: 3.40

Residual Sugar: 0.0 g/L

Alcohol: 14.2%