Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Todd Brothers Ranch was planted in 1958 on the hills above Geyserville in Alexander Valley. Thick, head-trained vines climb a steep slope of shallow, iron-rich red volcanic rock and clay soils. The difficult site restricts yields and concentrates its small berries. The ranch is farmed by third- and fourth-generation members of the Todd family.
Grapes
100% Zinfandel.
Vinification
Fruit was harvested from September 3 through September 11, 2021, hand-sorted and destemmed into small, open-top stainless-steel fermenters. Fermentation on the skins lasted 9–12 days. The wine was then drained into barrels to complete malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
Matured for 15 months in 14% one-year-old French oak barrels and 86% neutral French and American oak barrels.
Technical data
2021: 15.5% alcohol, pH 4.03 and total acidity of 4.86 g/L.
Tasting profile
Black cherry, red plum and star thistle introduce a juicy, vibrant mid-palate of dried black fig, sage and vanilla-cookie notes. Layers of black and red fruit fill out an opulent, richly structured wine with the depth for further cellar development.
Serving and pairing
Pair with braised red meat and roasted wild mushrooms.
Vintage notes
The 2021 harvest developed under restricted water supplies and eventual irrigation bans in Dry Creek and Alexander valleys. Few episodes of extreme heat allowed moderate ripening without substantial dehydration or loss of acidity. Low moisture around budbreak and bloom reduced yields in some varieties, concentrating varietal flavor while retaining a vibrant mouthfeel.
