2018 Henry's Blend

The Vintage
The 2018 vintage will be one described by poets and songwriters…it was a season of dreams. The harvest began in earnest the second week of September, which is considered normal in most years, but for the past three or four harvests it would seem late. The season was of almost perfect pace and timing, with fruit ripening on a gradual scale which allowed for a much more relaxed tenor to the usual more frantic time of year. The term “hang-time” gets used a lot in describing harvests, but 2018 sure proved to be the harvest of hang-time. A moderate summer, leading to a moderate fall weather pattern allowed for full flavor development across all varieties. 

Winemaking
The Flatridge Zinfandel is a unique wine and vineyard.  The   vineyard was planted with a selection of Zinfandel sourced from a 100-year-old   vineyard next to the St. Peter’s Church in the northern Sonoma County town of Cloverdale.  The church’s vineyard has been the source of plant material for many well-known producers of Zinfandel in the Rockpile Appellation of Sonoma County.  The wine was made in small open top fermenters in a style similar to Pinot Noir. The cap was hand plunged three to four times daily.  The wine was also made with a favored selection of yeast from a Rockpile Syrah.  

Tasting Notes
The first impression of the 2018 Henry’s Blend is a rich, supple, aromatic mix of red fruits and fall spices. Silky smooth on the palate, this wine has a lingering finish that is seemingly endless. While fantastic now, the 2018 Henry’s Blend has the structure to age for many years to come. Enjoy!