2000 Russian River Valley "Tom Feeney Ranch" Zinfandel
98% Zinfandel
2% Alicante Bouschet
The source of our 1998 Russian River Zinfandel, this has always been one of my favorite Russian River vineyards. Year in and year out these old vines produce a classic Russian River Zinfandel exhibiting lots of dark berry characteristics. Yields of a half-ton an acre in 2000 were so low that the new owner, Tom Feeney, threatened to rip them out. Fortunately, he has since changed his mind.
Similar to our other wines, after a gentle destemming and crushing, the grapes were cold soaked for 5 days. However, unlike our other Zinfandels, fermentation was completely endogenous, lasting an additional 12 days. The wine was aged in all French oak, about 40% being new. It was racked once by gravity before being bottled unfined and unfiltered 14 months later.
Tasting Note:
Enticing aromas of black raspberry, boysenberry, vanilla, and spice. An intriguing citrus note is present as well. Rich, full bodied. Seamless with a long, lingering slightly tannic finish. Delicious now, this wine has sufficient structure to ensure that it drinks well for up to 6 years after vintage. (MRO - 12/15/01)