About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Mariah Vineyard occupies a high, cool-climate position atop Mendocino Ridge in Mendocino County. The site gives Zinfandel a bright, fresh-fruit profile alongside spice, depth, and complexity. The Dooling family planted the vineyard in the 1970s with sustainable, dry-farming principles that remain in use.
Grapes
100% Zinfandel.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested and sorted by hand. After crushing, fermentation took place for 10 days in small open-top stainless-steel tanks. Pneumatic punch-downs assisted extraction, and pump-overs supplied gentle aeration. The new wine was then drained to barrel to complete alcoholic fermentation and malolactic conversion. It was racked three times before blending and bottling.
Ageing
Maturation lasted 15 months in 9% new French oak, 7% new American oak, and 84% neutral French and American oak.
Technical data
Alcohol is reported as 15% on the wine page and 15.5% in the 2021 technical sheet. pH: 3.80. Titratable acidity: 6.19 g/L. Production: 1,120 cases.
Tasting profile
Black raspberry compote and pepperwood spice lead the aroma. The palate combines briary black raspberry, cinnamon spice, and a restrained forest-floor note. Vibrant acidity gives the wine a juicy, elegant profile, while rich, mouth-filling tannins resolve into a smooth, velvety finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve with flank steak or duck breast accompanied by a slightly acidic sauce, lamb loin with olive tapenade, or aged goat Gouda.
Vintage notes
The 2021 harvest progressed moderately despite scarce water and eventual irrigation bans in Dry Creek and Alexander valleys. Few extremely hot days allowed steady ripening without substantial dehydration or loss of acidity. Low moisture around budbreak and bloom reduced yields in some varieties, concentrating flavor and producing wines with pronounced varietal character and a vibrant mouthfeel. The Mariah Vineyard grapes were harvested October 1–4, 2021.