2004 York Creek Zinfandel

This is the thirtieth vintage in which we’ve made zinfandel from the York Creek vineyard high on Spring Mountain. In 2004, more than half the grapes are from vines planted in the early 1970s, the rest from mature vines now fifteen years old. Flowering and set came early; flavors were fully developed by the second week of September, more than two weeks ahead of schedule. The natural (uninoculated) fermentation stretched to twelve days before we pressed. Each parcel completed a natural secondary, finishing by mid-October – again, early – and the separate lots were racked to air-dried american oak barrels. During assemblage tastings the following spring, we decided to include York Creek petite sirah for further integration of fruit and structure. Seventeen months in barrel has begun to soften the tannins; the fruit and spice are gaining complexity. This excellent York Creek will be enjoyable by fall, and continue to develop over the next five to seven years. EB/PD (1/06)

York Creek Vineyard, situated high on Spring Mountain, overlooks St. Helena and the Napa Valley from the west. Ridge came here in 1971 for the old-vine petite sirah. We first harvested York Creek zinfandel in 1975, and have made both wines in every vintage since.

Rainfall: Less than forty inches (below normal)
Bloom: May (normal)
Weather: Dry winter and warm spring. Moderate summer.

Harvest Dates: 20 September – 18 October
Grapes: Average brix 24.5
Fermentation: No inoculation; natural primary and secondary. (32% floating cap.) Pressed at eight days
Barrels: 100% air-dried american oak barrels (15% new, 25% one year, and 25% two and four years old)
Aging: Seventeen months in barrel

Los Angeles Times (27 June 2007): “A mountain wine in every way, this wine from Spring Mountain, a Napa County site, has a powerful deep dark chipped earth minerality, with aromas of caramelized sugar and caramel with fruit scents of black cherry and plum. On the palate the plum flavors persist, grounded by a black earth minerality.”

Connoisseurs’ Guide (January 2007): “Ripe in tone without suggesting dried grapes or high alcohol and filled out by a roasted vanilla scent, this one is fairly full in body and slightly fleshy in mouth feel. After a trace of early fat in its texture disappears into a firm, zesty latter half, the wine calms down and turns just a touch dry for its size. It is clearly in need of roasted meats with savory seasonings to bring out its best over the next five years.” Rated: 89 (*)

Average Rating: 89.5

No. of Tasting Notes: 53

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