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VARIETAL
& VINEYARD:
This Zinfandel comes from three separate blocks, planted to different
clones on our estate: our “old clone” block planted in 1994, the 28
year-old head-pruned block, and the new Primitivo-clone vineyard planted
next to the winery. Sixty 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: Unpredictable cold and hot weather during the spring caused shatter and uneven bunch development with our Zin in 2003. Zinfandel is well known for its tendency to ripen unevenly, and 2003 was unfortunately one of those vintages. We had unripe grapes and raisins on almost every single bunch, which produced a bright, fruity/spicy wine that lacked structure and had higher than desired alcohol. Fortunately, we planted 4 acres of Petite Sirah in 1998 for just this kind of vintage: it provides texture, body and color to Zinfandel. It is the key ingredient to making this a very classic, full-bodied Dry Creek Zin. Vinification: Grapes were de-stemmed and lightly crushed into both open-top and closed-top tanks. All of the lots receive a 4-5 day cold-soak, are pumped over or punched down twice daily, and pressed immediately upon dryness. We routinely stir lees while the wine is newly in barrel to provide more texture. In 2003, we blended a higher than normal amount of Petite Sirah giving our Zin much needed color, body and structure. Barbera was used for color, acidity and aromatics. The wine was aged in French and American oak barrels, 20% new. Style/description: Because we have such a great tradition of blending Petite Sirah into Zin here in Dry Creek, this wine will appeal to those fanatics of this appellation. It is quite dark, with jammy berry fruit with a touch of spice, and a warm, rich finish. It should improve from 2005 to 2006; then don’t waste anymore time and just drink the stuff.
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Harvested:
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9/19/03 through 10/11/03 |
Blend: |
80% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah, 3% Barbera |
Total
Acidity: |
0.66 g/100ml |
Alcohol: |
14.7% |
pH: |
3.75 |
Bottled: |
9/7/04 |
Aging: |
11 months; 85% French Oak (20% new) |
Cases Produced: |
1360 |
| 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. |
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