91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Produced from 8 acres of vines grown on their Estate Vineyard nestled in the hills of Dry Creek Valley. This a medium-plus bodied wine and displays aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry balanced with bright acid and satisfying grip. Lush notes of cassis, cocoa powder, and vanilla round out the palate on their estate gem. Bring on the meats!
Winemaking
The fruit was de-stemmed only so that whole berries were transferred to open top fermenters, to help capture bright fruit aromas and flavors. After 5 days of a cold soak the tanks were warmed which allowed the juice to ferment naturally. The tanks were punched down 2-3 times per day for 10 days allowing skin contact for color and flavor extraction. The wine was then drained off the skins and placed in 30% New American oak barrels.
Analysis
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Harvest Date: September 2017
Aging: 30% new French oak for 10 months
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1500 cases
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
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