Grist Vineyard: This vineyard is a famous block, part of Hambrecht properties on top of Dry Creek’s Bradford Mountain. The vines were planted about 80 years ago on a high plateau 1500 feet above the valley and farmed Organically. The soil is typical red Manzanita type from volcanic origin. The high elevation and the soil contribute to the brightness of the fruit and firm acidity.
The Vintage: 2010 harvest was one of the most challenging in my 22 years as a winemaker because of the unpredictable weather with extreme high and low temperatures. The season was relatively cool overall resulting in brighter fruit aromas, higher acid levels and intensely colored wines in general.
Winemaking: The grapes were harvested early morning still cold from the night and de-stemmed only with no crushing. The heat wave produced more rasins than usual and respectively very high sugars at harvest. The fermentation was very slow but eventually it finished dry. The wine was aged in 50% new Bulgarian and Hungarian oak barrels for about 11 months.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: This is a big, gutsy wine destined for aging. Obviously ripe but without going overboard the wine is loaded with the “essence” of Zin-wild berries, dark cherries and strawberries typical for Dry Creek Zins. The oak contributes aromas of spice, toast and slight vanilla/chocolate with a bit of a brown sugar. On the palate the wine is full, bright and finishes fresh and juicy. At the time of these notes the wine is very young and tightly focused with bright acidity and firm structure but with aging it will become generous and rewarding. Cheers!
Harvest Date: October 14, 2010
Blend: 100% Zinfandel from organically grown grapes
Brix at Harvest: 27
Barrel Aging: 11 months
Alcohol: 15%
TA: 0.68g/100ml
PH: 3.68
Bottling: Sept. 2, 2011
Production: 188 cases