ROBERT PARKER REVIEW: 90 -92 pts! The more powerful 2008 Zinfandel East Bench (100% Zinfandel; nearly 15% alcohol) boasts a dark plum/ruby color in addition to a big, sweet bouquet of briery fruit, earth, and pepper. Softer and fleshier than the 2007, it is meant for near-term consumption - 2-3 years.

Description

One of our few single-varietal vineyards, East Bench sits atop the ridge that separates Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Its red clay/loam soils are ideal for growing zinfandel. In 2008, set was complete by late May; in July, after veraison, we dropped twenty percent of the crop to ensure optimum flavor and intensity. The grapes were hand-harvested between August 26 and September 2, and fermented on their native yeasts. Juice was pumped over the skins twice daily for nine days to achieve balanced tannin, color, and fruit. After natural malolactic, the parcels were combined and racked to air-dried american oak barrels to age for twelve months. The 2008 East Bench is quintessential Dry Creek Valley, exhibiting the red fruit, pepper spice, and mineral flavors that have made the region famous. Enjoyable now, the wine will develop fully over the next five to seven years.

Product Specifications