Zinfandel (Red)

Dry Creek Valley

$24.00/bottle

To ensure that we get the maximum amount of color and flavor from our Zinfandel grapes, we use a variety of techniques, which include fermentation in open-top fermenters for eight days with several punch downs a day. We also blend in small amounts of Petite Sirah for added structure. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, which adds nuances of vanilla as well as a wonderful toasted spice character. Intense aromas of cherry, black currant, and rum raisin are followed by deep, rich flavors of sweet strawberry jam and briary blackberries.

14 months in French oak: 50% new, 50% 1-2 years old; blend: 91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah; 14.56% alcohol.

Varietals

Vintage Notes

The 2006 vintage was extremely long. We started picking white grapes on August 29th and did not complete the harvest of red grapes until the first of November. Most striking, however, was that nature never forced our hand to pick—we experienced no rain whatsoever during the months of September and October, so we were able to let the fruit hang on the vine as long as needed to develop full maturity, excellent tannin structure, and ripe, juicy flavors.

More About This Wine

• Released: March 16, 2008
• Cellar Range: 2.0 yrs–5.0 yrs or Drink Now
• Technical Details:
  • Total Alcohol: 14.56%
  • Months in Barrels: 14 mo
  • Percent New Oak: 50.0%

Dry Creek directed for a flavorful performance

With aromas straddling both in the floral and fruity arenas, the hints of spice and vanilla really had me intrigued. Upon tasting, it was clear, this was my favorite of the four offerings I've tried recently from Francis Ford Coppola. Flavorful cherries and strawberries with spicy notes make this a delicious wine!

Hot hot heat

This wine has aromas of cedar and spice that leads to flavors of cherries and smoke. The alcohol is a little prominent for me and the finish is very hot, but this wine started to really show nicely after about an hour of decanting.