1975 Napa and Alexander Valleys Zinfandel
Winemaker's Notes
The 1975 vintage is best characterized as a long, cool growing season which allowed for maximum development of varietal character and relatively high acid. Our Zinfandel was no exception, with the last gondola of grapes arriving on October 24th. The extra maturation time on the vine accentuated the “fruit and briar” like character typical of good Zinfandels. The wine was fermented at cooler temperatures, relative to our Cabernet, to preserve the fruitiness and extract less tannin.
Vintage Weather
Cool variable. Very cool growing season. Some rains at harvest, but not enough to cause much trouble. Late harvest. Fruit had great balance. Wines notable for elegance and finesse.
Tasting Notes
After a year in small oak cooperage (French Limousin and American), and almost a year of bottle age, this Zinfandel is showing a rich, spicy nose, and tart, fruity, flavors. Our experience has shown that bottle aging of an additional year is sufficient to bring this wine to full potential.
Jerry E. Luper, Winemaker
Technical Data:
| Harvest Dates: | October 6th – 24th |
| Bottling Date: | July 1977 |
| Release Date: | March 1978 |
| Appellation: | Napa and Alexander Valleys |
| Sugar at Harvest: | 23.2º brix (average) |
| Alcohol: | 13.0% |
| Total Acidity: | 0.65% |
