2000 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
82% Zinfandel
18% Petite Sirah
When a heat spell arrived in early September, our Dry Creek Zin from Ray Teldeschi Ranch sugared up quickly. However, despite plenty of sweetness, I felt the flavors hadn't fully developed yet. Therefore, we waited an additional week before picking some impressively flavored albeit ripe grapes.
In order to bring sugars down to a more manageable level, after a 5 day cold-soak, 18% Dry Creek Petite Sirah was crushed into the tank. Not only did this help ensure a smooth fermentation, it also provided tremendous color and structure. After 12 days on the skin, the wine was pressed into all French (33% new) oak. The wine was racked twice via gravity before being bottled unfined and unfiltered 15 months later.
Tasting Note:
Very dark ruby-purple in color, near opaque. Certainly our most extracted Dry Creek Zinfandel to date. Aromas of ripe black cherries, vanilla, mocha, and the telltale Dry Creek red earth. Almost Rhône-ish. Very velvety on the backend. Again, this wine is so appealing now, we see little reason to wait. (MRO - 12/15/01)