Mystery Zinfandel 2019 (California)

Description

• French & American oak
• Vanilla & warm spice
• Roasted hazelnut
• Silky tannins

"Sweetly ripe and elegantly expressed, the wine shows Black Doris plum, vanilla, roasted hazelnut and warm spice aromas on the nose. It's succulent and smooth on the palate with plump mouthfeel and silky tannins, finishing long and soothing. At its best: now to 2024" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, April 2021

"A lush and juicy wine, our 2019 Zinfandel offers bright aromas of strawberry preserves, bramble spice and Asian plum. Fruit forward flavors of raspberry and strawberry spread over the medium bodied palate. Soft tannins and notes of baking spices linger on the finish. Enjoy with spiced barbeque dishes" Mark Beaman, Winemaker

While Zinfandel has roots in Croatia, it’s best known as California’s signature grape. Zinfandel was planted in California in the early 19th Century. The majority of the fruit comes from Sonoma County which is among the finest regions in the United States for Zinfandel. The remainder is from premiere growing sites throughout California, resulting in a synergy of intense flavors and distinction.

Thee 2019 growing season started later than usual in many California wine regions. A wet spring followed by cool temperatures allowed the grapes to mature gradually. Cool temperatures continued throughout the growing season resulting in longer hang time and lower sugar yields. Vintners are praising the full flavors, fresh acidity and superb balance of the 2019 vintage.

After harvest, the fruit was cold soaked to enhance the color and flavor while avoiding harsh tannins. Then they were inoculated with yeast strains specifically that enhance the raspberry fruit flavors. Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were added for further complexity and depth. After aging in a mix of stainless steel and French and American oak, it was bottled in October 2020.