Vineyard : This 16-acre vineyard in the rolling hills just east of the Russian River is located at the corner of Highway 128 and Chalk Hill Road. The vineyard is planted with half-century-old, head-pruned vines, 90 percent of which are Zinfandel, five percent Carignane and five percent Petite Sirah. The vineyard has a red clay loam soil. Production is typically two-and-a-half-tons-per acre. Cellar Practices and Winemaking : Each grape variety was picked and fermented separately in open top fermentors using a small percentage of whole clusters. The must was hand punched down twice daily and allowed an extended post-fermentation maceration for approximately two weeks. To add character and nuance, this wine benefited from Rosenblum Cellars’ cutting edge yeast and barrel programs, which include over 30 strains of yeast and 55 coopers from around the world. Aging occurred in 60-gallon French and American oak barrels. Winemaker's Comments : This wine shows intense black cherry and ripe plum fruit typical of the Alexander Valley. It is smooth, silky and exotic on the palate with hints of violets, rose petal, vanilla and currants. Drink this sumptuous wine alongside filet mignon, rack of lamb or even a well-aged duck breast with wild berry compote. |