Nalle 2004 Zinfandel

Varietal Notes:
When we started our label in 1984, the intent was to produce a Zin that expressed the intrinsic "zinberry" fruit and elegance of the Dry Creek Valley appellation. The intent remains the same.

We work closely with six growers to assemble a blend that reflects the personality of each growing season. The blend includes 6-12% of varieties complementary to Zinfandel: Petite Sirah, Syrah, Carignane, Alicante Bouchet and Gamay. All the grapes are hand sorted at the crusher, then fermented in a small batch open-top tanks. We age our Zin exclusively in French oak.

While most who drink our wines prefer them young, we've found that a properly cellared Nalle Zin can be delicious beyond ten years.

Winemaker Notes:
The 2004 growing season was as textbook as 2003 was odd. Here is a sterling example of why Dry Creek Valley is known world- wide for Zinfandel: aromas of ripe blackberry and raspberry, lip smackin' juiciness, supple tannins and a depth of color not seen since 1999. There is a certain lushness associated with this 2004 similar to 2000, 1997 and 1995. A unanimous favorite at chez Nalle. Get down with a grilled rib eye, cracked pepper, sautéed mushrooms and your favorite honey.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Dry Creek Valley
Vineyard:	A blend of seven vineyards from the appellation's four quadrants
Fermentation:	1250 gallon open top tanks with 7-15 days of skin contact
Oak:	New- 4 yr. old French oak
Alcohol:	13.9%
TA:	6.5 g/L
pH:	3.47
Production:	1725 cases