Blackberry and plum jump from the glass and intermix with red raspberry and cherry. A floral quality comes through, with a little aeration, and complements the darker elements of wood spices and clove. The flavors lead with dark berry fruits but the red fruits explode in the middle and transition to anise and clove, and hint of lavender on the finish. The robust tannin fans out on the finish, tempered by a refreshing acidity throughout. This is another classic Zinfandel from the historic Bacigalupi ranch.
THE VINEYARD
The grapes for this wine come from a small block of old vine Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley. The Bacigalupi Zinfandel Vineyard is less than 2 acres of 90+ year-old head pruned vines, which naturally yield low tonnage that produces very concentrated wines.
HARVEST 2013
With great back-to-back vintages, 2013 was every bit as good as 2012 has proven to be. Amidst concerns about another drought year, the rain gauges filled up to about 80% of the yearly average. The growing conditions were very favorable, which resulted in a remarkably similar growing season to the exceptional 2012 vintage. The only notable difference, however, was the increase of heat units in 2013, as measured by the Growing Degree Day index. With below average rainfall for the season bud break initiated earlier than average along Westside Road. April showers helped to drive good shoot growth and set the plants up for May flowering. Excellent weather at flowering time allowed for fantastic set and a bountiful yield across all appellations and varieties. Even with an earlier start to the growing season, the grapes had the ideal amount of time on the vine to achieve full maturity without any threat of inclement weather late in the season. Wines from the 2013 vintage exhibit extremely pure and polished tannins and the acidity will provide longevity, but the supple structure also offers earlier enjoyment.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Barrel Description: 21% new, 21% 1 yr., 29% 2yrs., 29% 3+ yrs. Barrel Aged: 14 months
pH: 3.38
TA: 0.70g/100ml
Alc: 14.7%
Released Fall 2015
