2017 Black Glass Zinfandel, Benessere Vineyards, St. Helena

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  • Regular price $48.00


VINTAGE
We had a wet start to 2017, so welcome after 5 years of drought.  The bulk of the rain fell in January and February, but rains continued into April, ensuring that the vines would have ample water throughout the growing season. The harvest started more or less on time with average to slightly low yields.  What started in water ended in fire.  Fortunately, we had harvested most of our fruit before the October fires.  We will not be using any fruit harvested after the fires.

WINEMAKING
Our estate Black Glass Vineyard Zinfandel takes its name from the obsidian that surfaces in the vineyard after each rain. In the winery we treat our Zinfandel as gently as our Sangiovese. We ferment in open top tanks and gently punch down twice each day. When the fermentation is complete the wine matures in neutral French oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES
Vibrant ruby in the glass, this wine offers a full spectrum of subtle berry aromas, with hints of chocolate and spice.  These flavors intensify on the palate, where they are carried along by satiny tannins and a very pleasant mouthfeel.  In addition to the blueberry and black raspberry notes, the wine offers notes of cherry pie, rose hips, rhubarb and violet.