Dutton-Goldfield 2005 Zinfandel, Morelli Lane Vineyard

Wine Recommendation:
Dutton-Goldfield 2005 Zinfandel Dutton Ranch- Morelli Lane

Vineyard Notes:
The Morelli Lane Vineyard is archetypal for all we love about our part of the world: scenic, alive with history, and delicious. This 19th century planting is located at the top of Stoetz Ridge, just north of the town of Occidental on the far western edge of the Russian River Valley appellation. The dry-farmed, head-trained 1.8-acre block is all that’s left of a vineyard planted by the area’s early Italian settlers over 100 years ago. Left unfarmed for years, the Duttons (with prodding from Dan) revived the vineyard in 1995 and its fruit now enables us to provide this special limited bottling of old vine Zinfandel. Its cool proximity to the coast gives us a Zin of exceptional brightness and moderate alcohol; its hilltop perch facilitates the ripeness for wonderful fruit density and lush tannins; and its age gives us the personality that makes the wine truly special.

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
Beyond the classic Morelli frambois on the nose, the 2005 offers layers of candied cherries, bramble and shaved chocolate. Its opulent aromatic ripeness almost makes the bright, crystalline fruit in the mouth a surprise. The immediate impression is of candied raspberry and plush tannins, but it is the bright acidity and balanced alcohol that carry the fresh berry, floral and toffee finish.

Food Pairing Notes:
This is the rare zinfandel that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods without dominating or fatiguing the palate. Try it with everything from steak to mildly spicy fish dishes, and sharp cheeses like cheddar and Fontina. The balance of this wine would certainly allow it to age another 10 years, but why bother.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Russian River Valley- Green Valley
Vineyards:	Morelli Lane Vineyard
Alcohol:	14.5%
pH:	3.68
Months in Barrel:	10
Barrels:	French Oak (40% New)
Cases Produced:	257
Winemaker:	Dan Goldfield