1979 California Zinfandel
Winemaker's Notes
A heat wave in September accelerated the harvest resulting in the grapes ripening faster than we could get them to the winery.
Vintage Weather
Cool. Early spring heat waves caused uneven set. Cool growing season, followed by rains at harvest. Early picking resulted in well-balanced, clean fruit.
Tasting Notes
The wine is a big, full-bodied Zinfandel of purple-edged ruby color with a nose that carries the unmistakable varietal aroma of berries and spices, earth and oak. The taste is a strong front of rich fruit flavor and briary Zinfandel character. Balance, with respect to the bouquet and flavor, comes with a body and tannins that are quite pronounced. Given ample bottle aging, this wine will grow richer and smoother while remaining big and distinctly enjoyable. Grape origin is almost identical to the 1978 bottling: 68% Napa Valley and 31% Paso Robles.
Bo Barrett, Winemaker
Technical Data:
| Harvest Dates: | Sept. 16 to Oct. 4 |
| Bottling Date: | July 1981 |
| Release Date: | March 1982 |
| Appellation: | California |
| Time in Oak: | 12 months |
| Sugar at Harvest: | 24.7º brix |
| Alcohol: | 14.3% |
| Total Acidity: | .58g/100ml |
