VINTAGE NOTES
2005 Zinfandel
PASO ROBLES

VARIETAL             100% Zinfandel
APPELLATION      Paso Robles
VINEYARDS          Rancho Dos Amigos and
                                Margett Vineyards
HARVEST               September 6, 2005
OAK AGING          16 months
T.A.                         7.83 g/L
ALCOHOL             15.2%
BOTTLING DATE  December 8, 2006
PRODUCTION      117 cases

HARVEST
Vintage 2005 was one of the most favorable harvests in recent years. Rainfall was plentiful in the winter months leading up to budbreak in early March. Dry conditions prevailed in spring, resulting in excellent bloom and set. Temperatures throughout the summer were very even, promoting a gradual ripening of the grapes. A heat spell in early September, however, accelerated the ripening of the Zinfandel grapes. The heat, along with low yields on the vines, brought on an early harvest on September 6.

VINEYARD
Margett Vineyard is a family-owned estate located on the west side of Paso Robles. Owner Jim Margett and his son care for the vineyard, utilizing quality farming practices. The vineyard is cooled by early morning fog, which encourages excellent development of ripe fruit characteristics. Rancho Dos Amigos Vineyard is situated near the town of Shandon and is owned by the Rava Family.

WINEMAKING
Grapes for our 2005 Zinfandel were hand picked and crushed into small jacketed tanks. Following an overnight cold soak designed to enhance extraction of color, aroma and flavor, the must was inoculated with D254 yeast. The fermenting juice was pumped over three times daily during fermentation for additional extraction. After a lengthy maceration, the wine was pressed, inoculated for malo-lactic fermentation and transferred to American oak barrels where it aged for 16 months.

TASTING NOTES
Vibrant and well balanced, this wine features aromas of plum, blueberry and cranberry with hints of vanilla, spice and subtle oak. On the palate, juicy fruit flavors with a touch of dried spice are supported by a velvety mid-palate and firm acidity. The wine culminates in a clean, yet lingering finish.