Dalton Winery Zinfandel 2005

In 1999 the decision was taken to plant some experimental varieties into the Dalton portfolio, we one of them was Zinfandel. We figured that it was a variety that could flourish in the local conditions, and we planted a limited experimental plot of about 6 dunam (0.6 hectares) in our Safsufa vineyards that are located at the foothills of Mount Meron.

By 2005 we felt that we had a harvest of which we could be proud and produced this limited edition wine with a run of just 9300 bottles.

WINEMAKING:

The grapes were selectively picked in late September 2005.

During fermentation the grape cap was pumped over several times a day to increase the depth of colour and levels of extraction of the wine in the gentlest way possible. On completing fermentation the wine was pressed out and racked into new American barrels where it was allowed to mature for about eight months. Finally inorder to increase complexity the wine was blended with about 15% Merlot prior to bottling.

TASTING NOTES:

This Zinfandel is an incredibly powerful wine with a dark inky hue. The nose is rich with currants, berries and plums spiced with cinnamon and vanilla from the barrel. The wine is long on the palate with sweet fruit and soft tannins.

SUGGESTED SERVING TEMPERATURE:

16-18 Celsius

ANALYSIS:

Alcohol: 15.5 %

pH: 3.34

Total Acidity: 7.7g/l

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

This wine goes particularly well with heavy meat dishes such as steak or lamb chops or hearty winter stews.

Features:

1 bottle, 46.35 6 bottles, 257.36