2021 Zinfandel
This compelling Zinfandel is refined and lively, with flavors of black raspberry, licorice, black cherry, fresh mint, and exotic spices. A beautiful, rich structure and a medium-full body that eases into a silky mouthfeel with well-integrated hints of oak, finishing with elegant tannins, and abundant acidity.
We came into the 2021 vintage with severe drought, once again. Warm weather in the beginning of the year caused buds to swell. Temperatures dropped and delayed bud break until the second week of March. The lack of rain caused the shoot growth to be stunted and forced us to pare back the yields to balance the vines. The irrigation water we purchased from the city served to keep the vines going and helped ripen the small crops. Towards harvest, nighttime temperatures dropped and fog lingered late into the mornings, which is what we are accustomed to here in Carneros. Harvest started in mid-August, without major heat spikes. Though yields were the smallest we have harvested in history, the fruit was fully mature and the resulting wines are exceptional.