Winemaker's Notes
The 2024 growing season was about as near perfect as one could ask for. Crop level was decent, and being Zinfandel, it had the archetypical varied levels of development and ripeness within the same cluster. However, there was a somewhat wider swath of ripeness in 2024, giving it a wider range of character. We harvested right in the middle of September which is about our long-term historical average time to harvest. This range of harvest dates between vintages is rather wide, though. Some years we start at the end of August while a few vintages have taken until October arrives. I worry less about the date and more about the flavor of the fruit.
Due to the variation in ripeness within clusters, this wine has very nice multi-faceted fruit aromas of red and black berries, with slight loamy and peppery nuances that make my mouth water in anticipation of the flavor and balance. There’s also fresh bread crust and red zinger tea to further support the necessary non-fruit notes. After a bottle is open a few days, the structure really opens up showing more plush texture, suggesting where this is headed in a few years.
The entry and middle palate is refreshingly medium-bodied, with a buoyancy that floats along the entire palate, flinging flavors that echo the aromas. This wine checks all the boxes for me: Personality true to origin, age worthy and food-friendly while managing to be delicious.
