2003 Russian River Valley "Fava Ranch" Zinfandel

pH: 3.64

T.A.: 0.673 g/100mL

Alcohol: 15.9%

Cases Produced: 371

A new designate for us! Planted by the Fava brothers between 1907 and 1922, this cool climate north-east facing vineyard rises steeply from the west side of the Laguna de Santa Rosa. This is pinot noir and chardonnay country but in the shallow Goldridge soils, zinfandel thrives here as well, producing wines of great finesse and spice. Bottled unfiltered after aging in all French oak (27% new) for 15 months.

Tasting Note: Medium-dark ruby in color. A gorgeous nose of red berries, herbs, and black pepper spice. On the palate, full bodied with explosive flavors of fresh cracked black pepper. No shy wall flower but quite elegant, this wine begs for a thick cut porterhouse steak from the grill. Optimum drinking should be from late 2005 through 2009. (MRO - 3/3/05)