Harvest Date
October 4, 2009
Harvest Brix
23.7
Months in Oak
Eleven
Alcohol
14.7%
pH
3.48
TA
6.1 grams/liter
Rs
Dry
Production
455 cases
Appellation: San Benito County
Located at the base of the northeastern foothills of San Benito County, Idyll Times Vineyard is sheltered from the winds of “the Mistral” climate, and is graced with warm days and temperate nights. The soil is sparse and shallow, restricting root development and canopy growth. These conditions are ideal for the fickle and sometimes overly vigorous Zinfandel grape.
2009 comes to a close with our assessment that yet a fifth consecutive great Vintage has been brought to "the Barn" (our 80+ year old former Swiss Italian dairy, now winery). January and early February saw unprecedented warm temperatures that caused an early budbreak. During flowering in the middle of May the thermometer again reached the upper 90 °F mark. The balance of the growing season up through harvest was, in contrast, very moderate to even slightly cool. We were now preparing for a late season with grapes not expected until late Fall. In anticipation of heavy rains from the remnants of Typhoon Melor (the worst to hit Japan in two decades), we scrambled to bring in all the fruit during the middle of October. The long hours paid off and incredible quality wines are now finishing fermentation and resting gracefully in the winery.
Zinfandel vines are notorious for uneven ripening, but the 2009 vintage was picked in one day. Fermented in small lots with a 25-day maceration period, the young wine was then pressed directly into French oak barrels for 11 months of aging.
This “in-your-face” Zinfandel is opulent and showy, with forward fruit and jammy flavors. Raspberry, cranberry, and licorice abound in the aroma, while French oak nuances complement the bouquet. This wine is very versatile and can be served with hors d’oeuvres, hearty meat, and game dishes.
Price: $21
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