2003 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY ZINFANDEL
Von Weidlich Vineyard
Robert Von Weidlich’s old vines date back to 1937, budded from original 1884 plantings by the Morelli family, who had farmed most of the ridge along Harrison Grade. Robert selected budwood from the 1937 planting and grafted it to extend the vineyard and further the legacy of the Morelli vines. The vines are all head-trained and cane-pruned in classic Old Vine fashion.
The 2003 vintage perfectly demonstrated the benefits of growing Zinfandel in a cooler region. On the north coast, heat summation was above normal for spring and early summer, and September alternated weeks of searing heat with unseasonably cool, damp weather. Vineyards in this subsection of Russian River, however, were tempered by fog intrusion, and at 800 feet of elevation Ottimino’s vineyards ripened at a comfortable pace. Von Weidlich Vineyard, cropped normally at just less than two tons to the acre, was only harvested on October 20. The fruit was de-stemmed and then cold-soaked for three days prior to inoculation. To promote early extraction of color and tannin, the wine was pumped over three times per day with additional cap punchdowns before peak fermentation, and gradually less as the wine went to dryness. It was then pressed immediately and racked to barrel to preserve both the color and the spicy fruit. The wine was aged in French oak, about 35% 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:
Classic Von Weidlich Zinfandel aromas of blackberry syrup, red plum and white pepper dominate the fragrant nose, intermingled with scents of toasty oak and a berry potpourri. The lush entry mirrors the aromas, and leads to an expansive, tongue coating mid-palate of spiced berry and cherry. The wine’s finish reverberates with pure Zinfandel character. This Zinfandel well complements roasted meats and spicy dishes, and its balance and density welcome more rustic and adventurous fare.
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TECHNICAL NOTES
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| Production Details |
Analytical Data
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| Blend: | 100% Zinfandel | Harvested: | October 20, 2003 | |||||
| Vineyard: | Von Weidlich | Brix 25.8º | ||||||
| Appellation: | Russian River Valley | T.A. 7.4 g/l | ||||||
| Aging: | Eighteen months in French oak | pH 3.52 | ||||||
| Cooperage: | Francois/D&J/Doreau/Roberts | Bottled: | June 6, 2005 | |||||
| Barrel Age: | 35% new/65% 1- & 2-year-old | T.A. 5.7 g/l | ||||||
| Cases Produced: | 601 | pH 3.75 | ||||||
