Brassfield Estate Round Mountain Zinfandel 2004

This five acre Zinfandel block was planted in 1998 on the steep north facing volcanic slopes at the foot of Round Mountain volcano in High Valley. The rocky shales and volcanic sands provide excellent drainage and create smaller production yields, while the northern exposure of this vineyard allows for longer maturation and fruit intensity in the grape berries.

The wine was aged in small oak cooperage for 16 months in equal portions of French, American and Hungarian oak. A small percentage of Syrah from the neighboring vineyard was blended with this Zinfandel to improve structure and add some additional depth to the finished wine.

This vintage shows a sweet, ripe cherry pie nose with well integrated toasty oak notes. A hint of cinnamon and rhubarb are also present with smooth and soft tannins.

90 Wine Enthusiast