Still
Miro Tcholakov
Alexander Valley
Carignan, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah (Shiraz), Zinfandel
Geyserville Estate Vineyard.
Sustainable
The 200 acre Geyserville Estate Vineyard consists of 12 red grape varietals, varying in age from 4 to 128 years old. While the majority of the vines are supported by trellis wires, the Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane blocks are head pruned, which allows these varieties to produce higher quality fruit. Although more labor is involved in farming grapes this way, the improved fruit quality outweighs the increase time and labor cost. All of the fruit is handpicked, mostly at night which keeps the temperature of the juice from 50 to 60 ° F, which preserves and enhances the flavors of the grapes. Soil-building cover crops are used to add nutrients and nitrogen into the soil, as well as control erosion and suppress unwanted weeds, which is part of the winery's sustainable farming efforts. Nothing goes to waste as grape stems and pomace for instance, are composted, turning them into a nutrient-rich material that can be used in the vineyards.
12% of the grapes were fermented in small ½ ton open top fermenters for additional complexity of aromas and textures.
19 months in new American and European oak.
Bottle, Cork
0.750
Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
The wine has intense varietal aromas of dark cherry, plums, blackberry jam and a hint of violets. The fine oak barrel aging brings in subtle aromas of vanilla, maple syrup, cocoa beans and slight toast. The mouth feel is solid, with full body and very soft and elegant tannins that accentuate the wine’s long and juicy finish with moderate acidity. Zinfandels when balanced are very versatile food pairing wines with broad range and this wine will satisfy your palate with many of your favorite dishes. The wine is delicious now but with some patience and proper aging in 2-5 years it will be even better.