Vinification Notes: Well-ripened zinfandel fruit was picked at high, late-harvest sugar levels, with a fair degree of raisining of the fruit. Fruit was hand sorted, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation was carried out in closed-top tank with pumpovers performed twice daily. After seven days the fermentation stopped short of dryness, allowing a portion of the natural sugar to remain in the wine. The Late Harvest was aged and blended in stainless steel tanks to preserve its subtle fruit characteristics.
Sensory Notes: Our Late Harvest zinfandel is a decadent take on Bella’s favorite varietal. A heady, intoxicating bouquet of candied cherries and spicy Mexican chocolate leads into flavors of sweet berry and herbal spice. A clean, slightly tart finish makes this desert wine a natural accompaniment to dark chocolate or aged Stilton cheese.
Vineyard Notes: This wine is made from a combination of Lily Hill Estate and Big River Ranch fruit. Each year we designate several small sub-blocks of vines on each property for our prized dessert wine. The fruit from these blocks is left on the vine to develop a higher level of sugar and ripeness, making an ideal raw material for dessert wine.
Vintage Synopsis: In 2009, Growers Sonoma County experienced a long, temperate growing season that ended with a strong, wet October rainstorm. The relatively cool season, especially during harvest, allowed for long hang times, which contributed to development of natural acids and flavors. Bella’s Late Harvest was picked two days before the October storm and really shows off the vintage at its fullest and ripest.
Cellar Recommendation: Best from 2010 through 2020.
Strictly limited production. Only 900 cases produced.