The 2008 growing season was fraught with hardship throughout the state. Spring and autumn frosts--coupled with heat spikes, which impacted flowering and maturation--claimed much of the prized California wine crop. Yields were at half of normal levels in the Paso Robles area, depending on variety, microclimate and viticultural practices. 2008 was the second consecutive year of drought in California, which limited vine growth and reduced cluster and berry size.  The silver lining, of course, is that the reduced berry size made for high extract, intense reds--and none benefited more than Zinfandel. These intensely-flavored grapes, along with the addition of Petite Sirah, have allowed us to produce another most delicious J. Lohr Estates Zinfandel.  

Zinfandel

The Zinfandel is grown on two vineyard sites, one called Gravity Hills, just off of Las Tablas-Willow Creek Road, and the other called Giubbini, west of Highway 101 and just south of Highway 46 West.  Zinfandel can sometimes be difficult to ripen before the onset of October rain and frosts in this coastal belt where Spanish moss grows abundantly in the surrounding oak forests. An abnormal heat spell in late August and early September 2008 prompted rapid sugar accumulation and a relatively early harvest in mid-September. The typical brambly character of Zinfandel is associated with the greenest berries on the cluster, while black pepper and chocolate develop from the desiccated berries that exceed 30° Brix. Thinning in the vineyard--both at veraison and prior to harvest--allowed us to select the best maturing bunches to give optimal flavor balance.

Origin: Gravity Hills and Giubbini Vineyards, Paso Robles AVA
Composition: 89% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Syrah
and 1% Grenache Noir
Brix at Harvest: 29.9° average
Total Acidity: 0.70 g/100 ml
pH at Bottling: 3.63
Alcohol: 15.72% by volume
Residual Sugar: 0.39 g/100 ml
Vinification: Stainless steel fermented at 85-90°F
Malolactic fermentation in barrels
Maturation: 8 months in (22%) new American and (44%) 2nd fill French oak barrels. Balance in older French oak.

Winemaker's Comments

The 2008 J. Lohr Estates Old Vines Zinfandel is a delicious, robust expression of concentrated fruit, with aromatic tones ranging from raspberry and ollaliberry to tobacco and chocolate. The color is luscious dark plum, while the mouthfeel activates the palate with a black pepper spice. Old Vines Zinfandel comes alive paired with foods accented with herbs or spices; try with it with red pepper sausage, pork with fennel or Herbes de Provence, zesty tomato pasta or chocolate molé.

Steve Peck, red winemaker

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