2003 Lake County Zinfandel

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.

Vineyards

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, and well above summer fog and mist. It is fairly warm, but cools off significantly at night, encouraging even ripening and vibrant color development.

Winemaking

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, the wine spent a short six months in small oak barrels; 50% new American oak, 50% seasoned French.

Winemaker

Ron Schrieve

Technical Details

Alcohol: 14.7%
pH: 3.81
Total Acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
Harvest Date: September to October 2003

 

Ratings & Reviews

Wine News (February/March 2006)
"Musky aromas of rhubarb, stewed fruit and forest floor. Syrupy flavors of boysenberry, plum and ample oak. Tooth-sticking finish."

 

Wine News (Oct/Nov 2005)
"Scents of blackberry, fig and black pepper. Powerful, gritty tannins and jammy flavors of blackberry and black cherry. Wild cherry close is very lively."

 

Wall Street Journal (Intersection of Hollywood and Vines, SJune 16, 2006)
"Best Wine by a Golfer. Outstanding Value. Very Good/Delicious. Rich and earthy, bursting with raspberry fruit, with hints of chocolate and real Pinot funk. The Zinfandel, at the same price, is also very good and a terrific buy." - Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher

 

Rochester Eccentric (Wine Pick, February 23, 2006)
"Whether it's a big, juicy steak, grilled lamb chops or a pepperoni and mushroom pizza, California Red Zinfandel is a good choice. Try: 2003 Greg Norman California Estates Lake County Zinfandel."

 

Carroll County Times (February 8, 2006)
"Recommended. This is not a shy Zin. Big berry flavor I a rustic style. Would be great with barbecued meat." - Tom Marquardt & Patrick Darr

 

Colorado Wine News (Jan-Mar 2006)
"Opens with a touch of chocolate before light-bodied flavor of raspberry, cherry, and pepper plus some dry tannin. Finish is medium-broad." - Harold Baer, Jr.

 

Koeppelonwine.com (December 5, 2005)
"Great Value. Boysenberry, black currant, black raspberry, big, bold, briars, brambles, branches. An infusion of liquid tar, smoke, violets and licorice, smacky tannins and a big brawny finish. " - Fredric Koeppel