VARIETAL & VINEYARD:  This Zinfandel comes from two separate blocks planted to different clones on our estate:  a ten year old Primitivo-clone vineyard planted next to the winery, and a 30 year old head-pruned block.  We have been farming our Primitivo-clone vineyard biodynamically since 2004.  With its small, dark berries and loose clusters it adds a depth and richness usually found in old vine Zin.  We clip the wing bunch off of all of our Zinfandels vines to help minimize bunch rot and concentrate flavors.

Vintage/Harvest:  2006 was even better than 2005, making it the best two consecutive vintages ever for Unti Zinfandel.  Other than a wet spring, 2006 featured moderate summer weather that carried into harvest season.  It really facilitated even ripening, which is no easy task with this variety.  As such, were able to harvest our Zin at physiological ripeness without many raisins, making for a full-bodied, yet fruit driven wine that is very representative of the Dry Creek growing region.  The concentration, structure, and balance of our Zin meant that we did not blend as much Petite Sirah in 2006 as we had in the previous two vintages.

Vinification:  Grapes were de-stemmed and lightly crushed into both open-top and closed-top tanks.  All of the lots receive a 4 to 5 day cold-soak, are pumped over or punched down twice daily, and pressed immediately upon dryness.  All of our fermentations are carried out using indigenous yeasts.  We routinely stir lees in barrels for added texture.  Petite Sirah is blended for color and body, while Barbera adds a touch more fruit and acidity.  We aged our Zin in French oak barrels, 25% new.

Style/description:  The ideal growing conditions in 2006 allowed us to make a full-bodied Zinfandel that is balanced with a long finish.  It is the richest Zin we’ve ever made.  Like any great Zinfandel vintage, this 2006 will show very well within 2 to 4 years from the vintage.  Sure wish it was this easy to make this kind of Zinfandel every year.

                                                                                                                 Mick