2002 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY ZINFANDEL
Von Weidlich Vineyard
The yield in 2002 was fairly typical at just under 2 tons to the acre. The growing season was quite moderate, with most areas seeing intense heat toward the end of August. The Green Valley sub-appellation of Russian River, however, was tempered by the ever-intruding marine layer, and at 800 feet of elevation the Von Weidlich Vineyard basked in the cooling breezes and dappled sunshine. The crop ripened slowly after veraison, finally harvested on October 18. The grapes were gently crushed and de-stemmed, then cold-soaked for three days prior to inoculation. The new wine was pumped over at least twice per day, and three to four times during the peak of fermentation. At dryness, the wine had intense color and an expansive core of tannin, so was pressed immediately and racked to barrel to preserve both the color and the spicy fruit. The wine was aged in French oak, about 40% new, and racked every four months. No fining was necessary, and the finished wine is as natural an expression as possible of the terroir at Von Weidlich.
TASTING NOTES:
The distinct character of Von Weidlich Zinfandel comes through in aromas dense with blackberry,
ripe plum and spicy raspberry, overlain with clove and toasty oak. The lush entry displays fruit
to match, giving way to an expansive, tongue coating mid-palate and layers of spiced berry and cherry.
The wine’s finish reverberates with pure Zinfandel character. This hearty wine complements all manner
of roasted meats, and its inherent balance will equally enhance more rustic or adventurous meals.
TECHNICAL NOTES
| Production Details | Analytical Data | |
| Blend: 100% Zinfandel | Harvested: October 18, 2002 | |
| Vineyard: Von Weidlich | Brix 26.0º | |
| Appellation: Russian River Valley |
T.A. 7.8 g/l | |
| Aging: Eighteen months | pH 3.43 | |
| Cooperage: Dargaud et Jaegle, Vallaurine | Bottled: May 20, 2004 | |
| Barrel Age: 40% new/60% 1- & 2-year-old |
T.A. 5.8 g/l | |
| Cases Produced: 526 | pH 3.74 |
