Sensory Notes: Our Russian River zinfandel showcases the Italian origin Primitivo clone at its spicy best. From its deceptively subtle nose of tart fruit and licorice to its powerfully succulent mouthfeel, this wine perfectly illustrates a cooler-climate zinfandel. Dark spices and rhubarb notes culminate in a long finish of vanilla and roasted espresso beans. This wine will continue to age well through 2012.

Vinification notes: Fruit from the Big River Ranch vineyard was picked at full sugar and ripeness and was immediately crushed and destemmed at the winery. The fermentation lasted two weeks and was performed in a submerged cap tank to ensure full extraction from the skins. Pumpovers occurred twice daily.

Vineyard Notes: Our Big River Ranch is a unique property that straddles the divide between the Alexander Valley and the Russian River appellations. The vines that produce the Russian River zin are located on the southern edge of the property and showcase the cooler climate style of zinfandel. This lower temperature increases the hang time and results in a more spice-driven wine.

Vintage Synopsis: 2006 was a challenging but rewarding harvest season. Cooler temperatures made for a prolonged harvest that allowed the grapes to develop deep, rich flavor and color. The brief threat of rain in early October put us on the alert, but with some moderate thinning and cluster sorting, we achieved an excellent vintage.

Strictly limited production. Only 600 cases produced.