Bella 2013 Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Bella is a family owned winery focusing on producing small lots of red Zinfandel from the best growing regions in Sonoma. The grapes for this wine were harvested from their acclaimed estate Lily Hill Vineyard, the estate Big River Ranch vineyard which has several acres of old vine plantings dating back to 1907, as well as the Todd Brothers vineyard which has 50 year old vines on a rocky, west-facing hillside. These old vine plots have very low yields and deeply concentrated grapes. Each lot was fermented separately in closed-top tanks for 10 to 18 days. Pumpovers were performed twice daily to allow for maximum extraction of color, flavor and tannins. Aging was 20 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, 20% new. The final blend is 76% Zinfandel 13% Petite Sirah and 11% Syrah, it shows a fragrant nose of black cherry, toasted almonds and dark chocolate. On the palate it's lush and forward. Cherry and berry flavors mingle with roasted nuts and pumpkin pie spice with a long juicy finish. Great Zin!