Vinification notes: Fruit was hand-picked and brought down to the winery at optimal ripeness. The wine was pressed off before dryness to avoid extracting too much tannin from the thick petite sirah skins. Fermentation was completed and the wine was barreled down and aged in a combination of French and American oak, with 20% new barrels.
Sensory Notes: As well as being an important component in our Lily Hill zinfandel, the petite sirah from our estate property stands out wonderfully on its own. It is delightfully inky in the glass and exhibits heady aromas of pipe tobacco and boysenberry jam. Flavors of rhubarb, toasty oak and black cherry are supported by a structure of satisfyingly solid tannins.
Vineyard Notes: Our Lily Hill estate vineyard is located on the western slope of the Dry Creek Valley, directly above our wine cave. These hillside petite sirah vines were planted in 1996 when Scott and Lynn aquired this property. As a result, these established vines deliver quality fruit to blend with zinfandel, as well as producing incredibly dense and flavorful wines on their own.
Vintage Synopsis: In 2007 we experienced a steady summer of warm days and cool, foggy nights, ideal growing conditions for top-notch winegrapes. 2007 wines have excellent concentration with full but soft tannins. The vintage balances power and finesse and is perhaps the best year in Sonoma County in the last decade.
Cellar Recommendations: Enjoy from 2011 until 2018
Strictly limited production. Only 400 cases produced.