Handmade wines
since 1983.
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1997
"APRICOTS" ZINFANDEL/SYRAH
California
(Ojai Valley - Hall, Block and Roll Ranches)
We make a little Zinfandel
each year from a couple of ranches in Upper Ojai, the part
of the Ojai valley that hangs 600 feet above the main valley
floor. Often that wine is only good, and becomes Ojai Red,
our inexpensive table wine, but in 1997 the wine was special.
In the barrel it was extremely fruity, tannic and acidic all
at the same time. It wasn't particularly drinkable, but I
thought I saw potential. The wine progressed very well, and
at bottling we blended it with 35% Roll Syrah (also from Upper
Ojai) which mellowed the acidity and gave it greater depth.
The day we bottled it I was sure we had something great, but
it suffered terrible bottle shock, and became tannic and mean.
But six months in the bottle have softened the tannins, and
we now think it is one of our best wines in 1997! With notes
of both tart red fruits and a deeper darker plum, this wine
has a seductive aroma. The flavors are long, zesty, and tempt
you to take another taste. Our Zinfandel/Syrah blend is structurally
similar to our 1988 Zinfandel, and I suspect it will age as
gracefully. Limited.
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