Zinfandels are typically destemmed, but not crushed; fermented in simple open-top fermentors; and manually punched down. They are barreled very shortly after pressing and allowed to rest on their lees (sediment) for many months before first being racked (transferred from barrel) and blended, typically for 6 to 10 months. Racking of the reds is done principally for the purpose of blending and/or clarification before bottling. This ‘reductive’ style of winemaking calls for longer time in the barrel for full development and while having two or even three vintages ‘on the floor’ at once causes cooperage congestion, it's worth it.

Zinfandels are bottled without fining or filtration after about 16 months in the barrel with judiciously minimal SO2. While my goal is to allow at least one year in bottle before release to the restaurants and stores, my mailing list is offered the wines earlier on futures, but they are usually planning to age them themselves.

Old & Mature Vines 2009 - released Apr 2011 2011 - released Mar 2013

Zinfandoodle v 0.1 - released Apr 2013