2021 Windy Flats Zinfandel

The Windy Flats Vineyard is in Wooden Valley carved into the cliffs on the western side of the Vaca mountains. The Zinfandel comes from a section just below the highest point of the vineyard. Growing conditions were challenging in 2021 due to less than normal rainfall, but the canopy held up well through the season and shrivel began slowly and evenly until we harvested the grapes on September 22 at 30 Brix. After a short cold soak, we inoculated with RX60 yeast and kept the fermentation temperature moderate – in the mid to low 80s. This variety is seen as a uniquely Californian grape, with roots in eastern Europe, and with Windy Flats Vineyard, we have a great opportunity to create a small amount of high quality Zinfandel. The 2021 Windy Flats Zinfandel offers aromas of milk chocolate, raspberry and thyme. The palate is balanced, and still has tannin showing under the raspberry, cranberry fruit, graham cracker and toasted almond flavors.