The 200 acre Geyserville Estate Vineyard consists of 12 red grape varietals, varying in age from 4 to 128 years old. While the majority of the vines are supported by trellis wires, the Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane blocks are head pruned, which allows these varieties to produce higher quality fruit. Although more labor is involved in farming grapes this way, the improved fruit quality outweighs the increase time and labor cost. All of the fruit is handpicked, mostly at night which keeps the temperature of the juice from 50 to 60 ° F, which preserves and enhances the flavors of the grapes. Soil-building cover crops are used to add nutrients and nitrogen into the soil, as well as control erosion and suppress unwanted weeds, which is part of the winery's sustainable farming efforts. Nothing goes to waste as grape stems and pomace for instance, are composted, turning them into a nutrient-rich material that can be used in the vineyards.

Tasting Notes:The wine is bright and lively with intense “Zini” aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, and plums and some of the typical raisin aromas. The fine oak barrel aging brings in subtle aromas of vanilla, maple, cinnamon and slight toast and smokiness. The mouth feel is solid, with medium to full body and very soft and elegant tannins that accentuate the wine’s long and juicy finish with lively acidity. Zinfandels when balanced are very versatile food pairing wines with broad range and this wine will satisfy your palate with many of your favorite dishes. The wine is delicious now but with some patience and proper aging in 2-5 years it will be even better.

B-5