Rombauer Zinfandel 2017 375ml

Tasting Panel 90
To craft this rich and spicy red, fruit was sourced mainly from El Dorado as well as additional vineyards in Sierra Foothills, Lake, and Napa counties (5 Petite Sirah was also blended in). With an ABV of 15.9, it was aged for 16 months in American and French oak; the body weight is apparent, with big and jammy blackberry notes joining sweet tobacco and brandied cherry. A dot of white pepper adds an accent toward the finish.

Our classic California Zinfandel is dark purple-ruby, with a bright crimson hue. On the nose, concentrated aromas of blackberry and raspberry meld with clove and spice. Lush flavors of raspberry, blackberry jam, plums and vanilla flood the palate, followed by touches of white pepper in the background. Plush and round tannins and great length make for a fresh and enticing finish.

VINEYARDS
This wine blends lots from select vineyards in top growing regions: El Dorado (60), Sierra Foothills (23), Lake (14) and Napa (3) counties.

WINEGROWING
A wet winter with moderate rainfall, a mild spring and a warm summer created the ideal growing season. Very warm weather at the beginning of harvest accelerated the need to pick Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in early September. Sustainable
farming practices throughout the growing season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using
NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology. The fruit was handpicked at dawn and sorted in the vineyard.


WINEMAKING
The grapes were carefully destemmed and optically sorted to ensure only perfect fruit made it into the wine. A cold soak extracted color and flavor before primary fermentation began in tank. The wine was gently basket-pressed, then racked to oak
barrels to finish primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation and aging.

FOOD PAIRINGS
Our favorite Joy of Cooking pairings for this wine include Pulled Pork with North Carolina Style Barbecue Sauce, Lamb Ragu
or Fromage Fort.

RELEASE DATE March 2019
APPELLATION California
VARIETAL COMPOSITION 95 Zinfandel, 5 Petite Sirah
HARVESTED Sept. 1Oct. 19th, 2017
AVERAGE BRIX AT HARVEST 27.5
COOPERAGE 16 months in American oak (10 new) and French oak
ALCOHOL 15.9

When founders Koerner and Joan Rombauer moved their two children, two horses and five dogs to Napa Valley in 1972, they arrived armed with an appreciation for the intimate relationship between food and wine. Their appreciation stemmed from Koerner'’s great aunt Irma Rombauer having authored internationally renowned cookbook the Joy of Cooking and his ancestors originating from the winegrowing region of Rheingau, Germany, where wine is considered an essential complement to a meal.

Appreciation bred passion, and Rombauer Vineyards was established in 1980. Thirty-five years later, the winery remains owned and operated by first-, second- and third-generation members of the family.