Dashe Cellars 2003 Zinfandel

Appellation America - "Appellation Signature" selection

Jim Pedroncelli identified this wine as having the ripe black fruit he sought in Dry Creek Zin, and other Panelists concurred, mentioning a complementary red raspberry component. The wine also offered enough oak and alcohol to stand up to the fruit, creating a harmony that the winemakers described as being "on the big side of balanced."

Winemaking Notes:
As always, our 2003 Dry Creek zinfandel is a special combination of brawniness and elegance. Inky black in color, the wine exhibits the black raspberry fruit and chocolate that is the hallmark of zinfandels from this special climate and soil. In 2003, the growing conditions slowly ripened the grapes until just before harvest- then a sudden long-lasting heat spell pushed the ripeness of the grapes to the maximum. The heat spell pushed the ripe flavors of the fruit, adding flavors of plum and cassis to the ever-present black raspberry fruit. Luscious and mouthfilling, the wine is poised to last for many years.

Technical Notes:

Varietals:	90% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane
Appellation:	Dry Creek Valley
Alcohol:	14.5 % by vol.
Time in oak:	14 months
Oak:	30% French & 70% American; 18% new
Production:	3875 cases, 750mL
Release date:	May 15, 2005