94 Points - Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2015
Vineyard Notes
Dating back to the Spanish Land Grant, the Zabala family have been stewards of the same ranch for seven generations. The wind-blown property encompasses much of the Arroyo Seco "Riverbed" and is known for its rocky and gravelly soil-types. Vines were first planted in 1972, and the vineyard is home to many grape varietals, including various plantings of Pinot Noir.
Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested in early October, three different clones were selected from the vineyard’s South Pointe block, a rock-strewn locale adjacent to the region’s seasonal creek. At the winery, fruit was gently crushed and de- stemmed, with the resulting must racked to macro-bins. Allowed to cold soak for two days the juice was inoculated with yeast strain RC212 (a yeast isolate from Burgundy). A 12-day fermentation and extraction period ensued with manual punch-downs employed to re-engage skin-to-juice contact. Once pressed the wine was transferred to French oak barrels where it spent eleven months before being bottled on September 26, 2013.
Tasting Notes
A barrel selection of nine distinct barrels, this wine showcases the dense, juicy berry-nature of Pinot Noir grown on the Zabala ranch. Aromas of black berries and cherry mingle with notes baking spices, violets and earthy-mineral tones. Richly textured, firm tannins enhance the fruit favors on the palate and melt away as part of the long finish.
Vineyards: Zabala Vineyard
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clones: 15% - Pommard Clone 4
45% - “Dijon” Clone 115
40% - “Dijon” Clone 667
Harvest: October 9, 2012
Aging: French Oak, 22% New Dargaud Jaegle, Francois Freres & Mercurey
Bottled: September 26, 2013
Acidity: 0.63
pH: 3.82
Alcohol: 14.6%
Production: 219 cases
95 Point Vintage
Opens with explosive aromatics of cassis, black plum, and sweet tobacco leaf, layered with warm baking spices (cinnamon and cardamom) and a light, complex ferrous mineral note. The Palate and mouthfeel is broad and sumptuous, bursting with flavors of juicy cherry pie, dark raspberry, and boysenberry compote.
The Finish carries a luxurious, savory presence showing undertones of leather, mocha, and milk chocolate, framed by supple, superfine tannins that melt into a long, polished finish.
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