History
Bob Ponzo has farmed these grapes for us in the Russian River Valley since 1999.
Bob's vineyard, on deep gravely loam soils four and a half miles south of Lytton Springs, provides all of the fruit for this zinfandel.
The Russian River Valley's cooler microclimate ripens this fruit shortly after Lytton Springs and Geyserville.
Small amounts of petite sirah are interplanted with zinfandel in the oldest block.
Vintage
Harvest Dates: 4 - 12 October
Grapes: Average brix 24.2 degrees
Fermentation: No inoculation—natural primary and secondary. Rapid color and tannin extraction. Pressed at ten days.
Barrels: 100% air-dried american oak barrels (25% new, 30% one and two years old, 30% three and four years old, and 15% five year old)
Aging: Twelve months in barrel
Growing Season
Rainfall: 42 inches (above average)
Bloom: Late May
Weather: Cool, late spring; cold summer; two very hot days in August (24 & 25) caused fruit damage cutting yields by 50%.
Winemaker Tasting Notes
Raspberries, rose petal and pepper on the nose. Medium to full bodied. Soft and elegant on the palate,
with a fine tannin structure. Finishing with firm acidity and delicious cherry fruit. (02/2012)