Lake County Zinfandel

Harvest Notes

The fruit came in highly concentrated and fully ripe at over 25 degrees Brix. After a slow, cool fermentation on the skins for seven days, Winemaker Ron Schrieve decided to make every attempt to preserve the up-front fruit characters exuding from the tanks. Hence, this wine spent a short six months in small oak barrels; almost half made from new American oak, the balance older French.

Tasting Notes

The finished wine is rich and highly extracted, but nicely balanced. It tastes of intense blackberry liqueur and ripe raspberry with a subtle jammy component. It is framed by hints of briar and peppery spice, and brings a long, elegant finish. It lacks the heavy prune and raisin characters of many overripe zins.

Vineyard Notes

Lake County lies just northeast of Napa County, and within its boundaries stands Clear Mountain Vineyard. This vineyard thrives at an elevation of 2,400 feet; a full thousand feet higher than its neighbors do, and well above summer fog and mist. It is fairly warm, but cools off significantly at night, encouraging even ripening and vibrant color development. The red volcanic soils contain traces of obsidian rock, offering yet another unique twist to this already distinctly different appellation.

Suggested Food Pairings

Believe it or not, this is a great brunch wine; serve it with spinach, mushroom and white cheddar omelets, savory cranberry scones, and chunks of fresh melon wrapped in prosciutto.

Technical Details

Acidity: 0.67 g/100
Alcohol: 15%
Appellation: Lake County
Bottling Date: May 01, 2007
Harvest Date: September to October 2005

 

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