Harvest Moon Estate Zinfandel Late Harvest 2008  375ml $26.00   Your Shopping Cart: Join one of the Harvest Moon Wine Clubs and save up to 30% on wines!

Vintage & Varietal

Varietal: 100% Russian River Valley Late Harvest Estate Zinfandel
Vintage: 2008
Bottled December 2008
Brix at Harvest: 26;  Alcohol: 13% by volume; Ph = 3.32
Residual Sugar: 6%
 

Grower & Winemaker's Notes

Among specific 2008 vintage factors and our desire to produce something unique, we decided to pull the fruit off only moderately late.  With sugars at normal zinfandel harvest levels, we knew that once in tank the grapes would breakdown and release their complex sugars found in the shriveled berries thus increasing the final sugar/alcohol ratio.      

We began the fermentation naturally until the 6th day where Assmanhausen yeast was employed to ensure enough sugar would be converted.  When I felt the fermenting must was in balance, I arrested the fermentation via pressing off to a tank at 30 degrees and racking immediately off its lees. Once in tank, we added a medium sized dark oak chip bag where it steeped until filtration and eventual bottling in December 2009.

Tasting Notes

This 2008 growing season birthed our most balanced and elegant late harvest to date.  Packed full of dark coco coffee aromas followed by a medium mouth feel and a finish of juicy tart cran-raspberry.  Our 2008 Late Harvest showcases tasty balance between RRV fruit, viscosity (residual sugar) and natural high acidity, allowing for at least a decade of cellaring.

For those who exhibit patience with this wine, they'll be rewarded with a fully integrated (it smells like it tastes) dessert wine that will knock your guests' socks clean off.  Otherwise, open and enjoy it  while it's young and fiesty.