2019 "The Native" Zinfandel

"This is one of my absolute favorite wines to make because I get a true sense of how the season has impacted the fruit that year. We take a lot of pride in our Estate grown wines and this style is meant to reflect Zinfandel in its purest form. Hand-harvested and sorted both on and off vine or rather before and after being picked. The fruit is crushed over dry ice to cool and minimize oxygen exposure while the Native microflora slowly develop. Fermented in open top macro bins which all end up having their own individual nuances that really make for consistent complexity."- Winemaker Michael Long

In addition to the more typical red fruit characteristics we see in this wine from year to year, this vintage is a prime example of how the natural garrigue* influences the aroma and flavor of a wine.  Since we take such a hands off approach to this wine, the nuansices are much more terrior driven than the other styles of Zinfandel we make.

*In wine, the term garrigue suggests distinctly herbaceous, peppery or smoky tones reminiscent of the low-lying vegetation that grows wild in sun-scorched limestone soils along the Mediterranean, particularly the South of France.   Rather than a single plant or scent, garrigue refers to a variety of aromatic, resinous herbs like rosemary, sage, bay leaves and thyme. It also includes shrubs like juniper and artemisia as well as lavender and mint.