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<H1>Chronicle Wines, 2006 Russian River Old Vine Zinfandel -- SidewaysWineClub.com Shopping Cart</H1>
<B>$28.00</B>
-- <I>My favorite at this year's ZAP - the massive annual Zinfrandel tasting in San Francisco.</I>
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<IMG SRC="https://store.nexternal.com/sideways/images/Zinfandel.jpg" WIDTH=90 ALIGN=right ALT="Chronicle Wines, 2006 Russian River Old Vine Zinfandel" NAME="Chronicle Wines, 2006 Russian River Old Vine Zinfandel" BORDER=0 HSPACE=10>
<font face=arial><font size=3><B><u>Tasting Notes</b></u>
<br>(From Winemaker Dan Cederquist) [The fruit from] "<i>Bacigalupi Vineyard brings brambly blackberry flavors and mid-palate richness, Gaddis Vineyard brings backbone and structure, and Gambogi Vineyard brings intriguing chocolate and claret-like aromatics and flavors.</i>" But what Dan fails to mention is the moderate alcohol (14.7%) and the delightful pepper and spice notes that are such an appealing part of Zinfandel's personality, and are so often over-shadowed by over-ripe fruit. This wine is beautifully balanced.
<P><B><U>The Winery</b></u>
<br>Chronicle Wines is led by Proprietor Mike Hengehold, who implements a "Best of breed" strategy when it comes to selecting vineyards or winemakers - he's tapped Winemaker Tom Lemon (of Littorai fame) to craft their pinot noirs, and Dan Cederquist (DeLoach, Hook & Ladder, Crew, et al) to craft their Zinfandels. Chronicle Wines fairly defines the sort of artisan brand I seek - a talented boutique producer dedicated to small lots from top growers.
<P><B><U>The Vineyards</b></u>
<br>Those who have read my (many) words in the past know we exist in an over-regulated industry. But for the life of me I see no logical reason for our industry's lack of control over the term "Old Vines". Winery's not known for their ethics use the term at will, as it adds cachet to their label. But this is not such a winery - the youngest vines in this bottling come from the Bacigalupi Vineayrd, and were planted in 1950. The other two vineyards were planted in the early 1900's. For the most part, the workers who planted and cared for these vines are long gone, having passed their skills and knowledge on to subsequent generations.
<P>These old, gnarled vines (Head Trained, of course!) have very low yields, resulting in fruit with intense flavor. The vines are survivors, and many of them appear to be on their last vintage, only to manage to survive for yet another. This is an exceptional opportunity to taste such an historic wine.
<P><B><U>Winemaking</b></u>
<br>Though the Pinots from Chronicle are aged in French Oak, they choose American Oak for their Zinfandels. The boldness of the grape stands up well to such a choice, and they like the slight coconut hints it brings to the wine.
<P>Blend<ul>
<li>45% Gambogi
<li>32% Gaddis
<li>23% Bacigalupi</ul>
16 months in American Oak (40% new)
<br>Alcohol: 14.7%
<br><B>448 cases produced</b></P>
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<LI>SKU: CHRON-ZIN-RROV-06
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