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D r y  C r e e k  V a l l e y

Z I N F A N D E L

2 0 0 2 
VARIETAL & VINEYARD: This Zinfandel comes from three separate blocks, planted to different clones on our estate: our “old clone” block planted in 1994, the 27 year-old head-pruned block, and the new Primitivo-clone vineyard planted next to the winery. Seventy percent of this wine comes from our Primitivo-clone vineyard. 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: A rainy winter was followed by a moderate spring and a normal summer. Outstanding September weather (warm dry days and cool evenings) allowed us to harvest grapes at maximum ripeness between 9/18 and 10/6. I will always remember 2002 for unusually even ripening of our Zinfandel grapes. As such, we were able to have fully developed grapes at moderate sugar levels. It is by far the best vintage to date at Unti.

Vinification: Grapes were de-stemmed and lightly crushed into both open-top and closed-top tanks. After a five-day cold soak the must was inoculated with Rhone yeast, pumped over twice daily, and pressed immediately upon dryness. The Zinfandel is blended with Petite Sirah (for color and body) and Barbera (for color, acidity and aromatics). The wine was aged in French (20% new) and American Oak barrels. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. 

Style/description: If I could make our Zinfandel like this every year, I would. The 2002 is our darkest, fruitiest, most complete Zin to date. It is quintessential Dry Creek Zin—jammy berry fruit with a touch of spice and impeccable acid balance. It should improve from 2004 to 2005; then don’t waste anymore time and just drink the stuff.

 
Harvested: 
9/18/02 through 10/6/02
Blend: 
 86% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Barbera
Total Acidity: 
 0.58 g/100ml
Alcohol:
14.4%
pH:
 3.62
Bottled: 
 9/8/03
Aging:
 11 months; 85% French Oak (20% new)
Cases Produced: 
 1240

4 2 0 2   D r y   C r e e k   R o a d  -  H e a l d s b u r g  C A  9 5 4 4 8          -         t e l  7 0 7 -  4 3 3 - 5 5 9 0  /  f a x   7 0 7  -  4 3 3 - 5 5 9 1

Copyright ã 1997-2006 Unti Vineyards. All rights reserved.