Coturri 2004 Zinfandel, Chauvet Vineyards

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
A full bodied jammy wine with a sweet blackberry middle and a ripe acidity. Great with rich foods like BBQ or as an after dinner dessert drink.

Vineyard Notes:
In the 1870's, Joshua Chauvet first planted grapes in Glen Ellen. He was one of the earliest and most prominent citizens of this small farming village. This historic vineyard is 10-acres of head pruned Zinfandel and divided into two sections, the East Block and West Block. The Canobbio family replanted Zinfandel in the East Block in 1936. Legend has it that a quarter stick of dynamite was used in each planting hole to loosen the soil. This was, of course, before large earth moving equipment was economically feasible for a small farmer.

As with all of the vineyards that Phil Coturri maintains, the Chauvet Vineyards are farmed in an environmentally friendly manner and the grapes are certified organic by the CCOF. The East Block yields about half of what the West Block produces. The East Block gives character, concentration of flavors and deep color to the wine. The East Block adds fruitiness and the blackberry qualities that make this Zinfandel so attractive. For this 2004 Chauvet Vineyards Zinfandel the two blocks are blended together, resulting in a nicely balanced, fruity, bright and attractive wine. The Zinfandel from Chauvet is always very popular and really harkens to old time Sonoma Valley style Zinfandel.