Zinfandel aficionados agree that
the Russian River appellation in Sonoma County
is the most ideally suited region, for growing
this varietal, in North America. Coastal air
vents throughout the Russian River basin in
the evening, lowering a veil of fog which dissipates
in the late mornings, providing the cooler nighttime
temperatures needed to produce the finest Zinfandel.
Warm afternoons allow for slow steady ripening
of fruit, creating an intensity balanced with
acidity for overall structure and aging potential.
WINEMAKER’S
NOTES
Planted on a steep southern-facing knob, the Elsbree Family Vineyard has
a mix of Zinfandel Clones on different rootstocks.
This gives the grapes a superior field-blend
of flavors; fruit with plenty of layers and
superb depth. Our 2004 harvest proves to be
one our best ever. An extended growing season
let the fruit ripen longer with a record yield
of over 2 tons an acre of quality fruit for
this limited production estate varietal.
We used many of the same techniques
with our Zinfandel as with our Pinot Noir. We
cold-soaked the grapes for three days and once
the fermentation began we hand punched the grapes
in open-top fermenters, a method not commonly
used with Zinfandel. The wine was then aged
for 17 months in Francois Frères oak
barrels, just like our Pinot Noir.
TASTING NOTES
Deep garnet in color leading to an aromatic nose of delicate oak, cherry and white pepper. This is an elegant, full-bodied wine with pleasing complexity with flavors of bright cherry, a hint of spice, and a delicate pepper finish. Smooth tannins add structure and mouth feel, but don't overpower. This Zinfandel is perfect for lighter meat dishes and spicy seafood fare.
|
| WINE
PROFILE |
| Varietal: |
100%
Zinfandel |
| Appellation: |
Russian
River Valley |
| Harvest
Dates: |
October
5, 2004 |
| Brix
at Harvest: |
25 |
| Alcohol: |
14.5 |
| Total Acid: |
.65 |
| pH: |
3.52 |
| Residual
Sugar |
Dry |
| Cooperage: |
17
months in Francois Frères French oak,
Mix of new to 3 years old |
| Bottled |
March
21, 2005 |
| Production |
60
cases |
| Wine Maker |
Ben Papapietro |
| Elsbree
Family Vineyard
PO
Box 867
Windsor, CA 95492
Tel: 707.837.8850
Fax: 707.837.0733
www.ElsbreeFamilyVineyards.com
info@ElsbreeFamilyVineyards.com |
|
