Our Wines - Dane Cellars Zinfandel

2006 Zinfandel
Sonoma Valley

Fruit : Zinfandel 97%, Petit Sirah 3%

Vintage: In 2006, growers were faced with numerous challenges, but if they were well organized and ready to react to the challenges it was a successful year. Bud break was later that “normal” and the record-setting 10-day heat wave in July kept us all on our toes...We were fortunate to have cooler temperatures in August, continuing through harvest and allowing for a moderately paced, yet lengthy, season. The cooler August and September allowed out vineyards to ripen evenly and combined with spending time in the vineyard and dropping any fruit that was not satisfactory gave us the start we were looking for in 2006.

Harvest: October 20th, 2006

Brix: 27.2

Winemaking: These grapes come from a sustainable farmed vineyard that sit at the foot of Sonoma Mountain, southwest facing on the west side of the valley. The vineyard at a slight elevation where the soils are well drained. The vineyard receives full sun but is shaded by the afternoon sun, which allows ripening to come slow and evenly. The grapes they were destemed into three open top tanks. There was a cold soak period of about 5 days. As the grapes began to warm the unincoulated fermentation started. The wine was pressed off the skins on November 27th directly to barrels. Malo-latic fermentation was completed in barrels in the spring.

Aging: Aged for 18 months in French and American oak barrels (1/3 new wood)

Tasting Notes: Blackberry, pepper and clove aromas lead to similar flavors accented by vanilla. The richly textured mid-palate is balanced by medium tannins and a lengthy rich jam finish. Perfect with a hearty red sauce over your favorite pasta, or maybe a plate of spicy Mongolian Beef.

$26.00/bottle