2006 Zinfandel - Russian River Valley / Collins Vineyard

92 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine

GRAPE SOURCE
The Collins Vineyard (also known as Limerick Lane Vineyard) is one of the most recognized Zinfandel vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Gary sourced Zinfandel from this vineyard for many years up until 1993 and today we are proud to have access again to this spectacular fruit. The old vines of the Collins Vineyard were mostly planted between 1910 and 1930 and are head-pruned for low yields, small berries and intense flavor.

WINEMAKING NOTES
This wine is composed entirely of Collins Vineyard Zinfandel from Russian River Valley. The grapes were picked on September 26th of 2006 at an average of 23.4 degrees brix, de-stemmed but not crushed, and allowed to cold soak for five days before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The finished wine was matured in a mix of new and 1-year-old French oak barrels for 12 months prior to bottling.

TASTING NOTES
This 2006 Collins Vineyard Zinfandel has intense briary, wild berry aromas. It is medium-full bodied and concentrated, with rich texture and lush flavors centered on of a core of blackberry fruit accented with notes of cardamom, pepper, cedar and bay leaf. Allowed time to mature, this highly structured Zinfandel will evolve into a supple, beautiful wine. Try this intense Zinfandel with braised pork shoulder and wilted greens.

TECHNICAL NOTES
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Variety: 100% Zinfandel,
Source: Collins Vineyard
Harvested: September 26, 2006
Bottled: December 7, 2007
Alcohol: 14.5%
Acidity: 3.40pH / 6.75 g/L TA
Cases Produced: 227

PAST VINTAGES
2005 Zinfandel - Russian River Valley, Collins Vineyards