Neal Family Vineyards Rutherford Dust Zinfandel

Tasting notes august 8 2016 – we produce our rutherford dust vineyard zinfandel from the ranch where the neal family farming operation began. Using 100% certified organically grown grapes by ccof and usda this is a single vineyard wine with a hint of petite syrah grapes for structure. Growing conditions in 2014 produced intensely flavored grapes and wine in most of napa valley and this is no exception. Intensely aromatic the varietal character says zinfandel like few others. Violets berries pepper licorice clove and nutmeg aromas complement the rich characters created by aging in large hungarian oak barrels. Intense dark cherry blackberry pepper and black tea are in balance with the firm tannin and bright acidity that creates a remarkably long finish. This is a great example of what zinfandel tastes like when grown in cabernet country. Cooperage barrel aged 16 months 40% new oak (hungarian puncheons) bottled on march 10 2016. – neal family vineyards