2023 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
79% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Teldeschi Ranch
14% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Mounts Ranch
7% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah, Mounts Ranch
As an indication of how unique the 2023 harvest was, we picked Teldeschi Ranch Zinfandel in Dry Creek Valley on October 6th, the same day we started picking Papera Ranch in Russian River Valley. Mounts Ranch Zinfandel and Petite Sirah were six days later, coming in just a day before we had all Russian River Zin off the vines. Normally our Dry Creek Zinfandels would be picked three to four weeks before our Russian River Zinfandels. Each lot was fermented separately with the final blend assembled the following spring. Bottled unfined and unfiltered after 15 months of aging in all French oak, 14% new.
Tasting Note:
Vivid medium-dark to dark ruby-garnet. Cherry cordial, white pepper, loamy earth and a pleasing herbaceous note greet the nose. On the palate, full-bodied with flavors of red cherry, tobacco, and earth. A powerful, rich wine that holds nothing back, appropriate given it’s our last Dry Creek Zin but a bit surprising given the late, cool nature of the vintage. A good decant with plenty of air helps reign in some of the wine’s exuberance, bringing more focus and harmony to the palate. Drink from release through 2032. (MRO - 07/16/25)