Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel 2007

A blend of 84.1% Zinfandel, 9.2% Petite Sirah 4.9% Syrah, 1.3% Grenache, .3% Merlot and .1% Barbera.

The 2007 Mendocino is a little different from past vintages. Instead of being dominated by cherry aromas, this leans more towards a mixed bowl of berries. The other interesting point is an aroma like a rustic mountain cabin with fresh red meat and spices being prepared for dinner and then freshly baked wild berry pies for dessert - of course the wood stove damper is not working well so there is a little smoke in the room...

The tannins are soft and supple, but the acidity comes through with a bit more acid structure than in past vintages and stays with you till the cows come home. We always add a little Syrah and Petite Sirah for the mid palate, filling in the hole of the donut, but this year it is a little more pronounced in the flavors and aromas, hence the gamey and meatiness underneath all the mixed fruits.

With aging the wine should evolve into a very layered and complex Zinfandel, with toast and spice from the oak picking up in intensity and the creaminess becoming more apparent after a few years.