Our Comments
Bought During Sonora Trip 2004, Drank 12/7/2005, Susie said "This one is a winner." A real pleasant Zin, This is all about balance! Not a monster zin, very mellow, well balanced and easy to drink, finishes nice. Well balanced. [My Rating [Link], 9] We like this a lot.
Wine makers notes: The 2002 Sonoma Dry Creek Zinfandel is derived from five separate Dry Creek appellation vineyards. Combining fruit from both hillside and valley floor has produced a wine of excellent depth and flavor with the characteristic Dry Creek spiciness.
Fermentation and Aging
Individual lots of fruit for this Zinfandel were harvested separately according to ripeness and balance of acidity. The grapes underwent near total destemming and a very gentle crushing to ensure a large proportion of whole berries in the must — contributing to the explosive fruit character of the wine. Fermentation was carried out in stainless steel with select cultured yeasts. The grape juice, skins and seeds (called “Must”) was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at the optimum temperature to extract rich flavors and provide excellent color. The wines were pressed off their skins at dryness and racked gently before being laid down to a complement of small French and American oak cooperage for 14 months — approximately 40% of the barrels are new American Oak.
Winemaker’s Comments
The 2002 Sonoma Dry Creek Zinfandel shows concentrated dark berry, firm tannin structure and great acid. Prolonged aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. Enjoy this wine presently for its effusive black fruit, or cellar for 5 to 7 years. An excellent accompaniment to grilled Tri-tip or Porcini Risotto.
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