2014 Black Glass Zinfandel

THE VINTAGE

The 2014 harvest got an early start due to warm and wet weather in February and March. The wetness was a relief as we entered our third year of drought. The precipitation did not ease our long-term fears regarding the water supply, but it did fill the soil profile, allowing the vines to get a healthy start to the season.

The rest of the season progressed dreamily, with few extremes of temperature. Harvest was on track to get an early start—and it did—but cool mornings in August slowed down ripening, giving the grapes more time to develop flavors.

WINEMAKING

Our estate Black Glass Vineyard Zinfandel takes its name from the obsidian that surfaces in the vineyard after each rain. Much of this obsidian was shaped into spear points or arrowheads more than 150 years ago. Zinfandel seems to thrive here - perhaps the black obsidian captures heat that helps lets the vine roots develop.

In the winery we treat our Zinfandel as gently as our Sangiovese. We ferment in open top tanks and gently punch down twice each day. When the fermentation is complete the wine matures in neutral French oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES

Brilliant medium garnet in color, this wine offers aromas of rose petal and violets, raspberry, cherry compote and boysenberry. Medium bodied, the wine has lively acidity with brambly blackberry flavors and a spicy finish with hints of sandalwood, allspice, vanilla and cocoa. It is a bright wine with a silky texture.

Enjoy now or cellar for 3 to 5 years for further complexity.

PAIRINGS

Enjoy with an aged cheddar or apricot-laden Stilton cheese, pancetta or salami, or grill eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini and bell peppers for a classic ratatouille. Baby back ribs off the grill would be a stellar pairing.