Crane Canyon Eagan Vineyard - Russian River Valley Zinfandel 1998

Crane Canyon Cellars Eagan Vineyard is our first vineyard designated Zinfandel. The Eagan Vineyard is situated at the base of the picturesque Russian River Valley foothills, in Windsor, California. The vines enjoy a perfect microclimate for Zinfandel, just beyond the eastern reach of early morning coastal fog and slightly cooler than the Dry Creek area. We feel this confluence of geographical factors produces both a wine of great power and depth as well as unusual richness and complexity. Vine maturity is excellent at 25 years. In 1999 we limited production to 2.5 tons per acre, dropping fruit to attain increased intensity of flavor. To produce our wines, we use only the highest quality grapes, then apply our winemaking expertise and handcrafted techniques to complete the bond of man and nature. Winemakers' Notes The 1998 Eagan Zinfandel has a dense magenta color with purple tints, and the legs suggest the viscosity of ayurvedic oils. The bouquet is an explosive potpourri of spice, including black pepper, clove, anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg, with a central core of blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry fruit. Medium tannins and a light toast of oak give excellent structure to this richly extracted wine. After opening up in the glass, the mouthfeel becomes opulent, and sweet tar lingers on the long finish. There is good acid to balance the fruit for aging; this wine should be magnificent in 6 to 10 years. Yet there is no resisting the temptation now, and early consumption rewards the taster with its density of youthful fruit. A wine to ponder. Think Tolstoy reading Homer, eating wild boar.