Haywood Los Chamizal Zinfandel 2004
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Aromas of spicy black pepper, cassis and mocha perfectly complement the bold fruit essences of cherry and baked plum apparent in the 2004 Los Chamizal Zinfandel. Lush, concentrated flavors of sun-ripened berries and chocolate-covered cherry are softened by a touch of creamy oak on the mid-palate. The mouth-filling texture and velvety tannins lead to a long, smooth finish.
"A ripe, zesty style, with layers of dusty blackberry, blueberry and wild berry that are fresh and vibrant. Well-structured, with good acidity and firm tannins, ending with a dash of spice. Drink now through 2011."
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The soils are shallow - six inches to two feet – giving way to fractured red rock or volcanic tuft soil. The low nutrient levels contribute to the intense character of the wines by limiting growth and restricting leaf production. Cooling wind and fog off the mountain and from nearby San Francisco Bay keep the days temperate and the nights cool. The vineyard is comprised of eight blocks, two of which have been separated out due to their unique and distinctive characters: Rocky Terrace and Morning Sun.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.