2004 Sonoma County Alicante Bouschet

50%		Russian River Valley Alicante Bouschet, Tom Feeney Ranch
50%		Sonoma Valley Alicante Bouschet, Rossi Ranch

pH: 3.62

T.A.: 0.670 g/100mL

Alcohol: 16.0%

Cases Produced: 24

Normally, the small amount of alicante we ferment separately is blended away into our zinfandels.  However, in 2004, we were blessed with a little extra.  This 50/50 blend of alicante from the Rossi Ranch (planted 1910) and the Tom Feeney Ranch (planted 1926) is a taste of history.  It will never be repeated as the vines at Rossi Ranch no longer exist.  Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Note: Totally opaque.  A vinous black hole.  Aromatically, suggestions of super-ripe blackberries, road tar, and rich, loamy earth.  Amazingly full-bodied (especially for alicante – a late ripener) with a kick of tannin on the finish.  Seems to posses more breed and class than usual for the variety.  When to enjoy this black beauty?  With no track record, I would opt for consuming it young, from release through 2009.  (MRO – 11/1/06)