2003 Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard Zinfandel

With a steep hillside vineyard having portions up to a 60-degree slope, we feel this vineyard offers one of the most dynamic zinfandels around. The fruit is sourced from 5 unique sections, each having varying degrees of soil differentiation. Some sections are head-trained, while others are a bi-lateral cordon depending on the steepness of the vineyard slope and the exposure.

Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard is organically farmed by hand with approximately 9,000 vines on 5 acres of land. The clone used is Chauvet from the Cooke Vineyard a mile up the road. It is speculated that this was originally obtained from Louis Martini's Monte Rosso Vineyard. Located at a 400 feet in elevation, the vineyard's fruit is more like a syrah in its aroma and flavor profile than a zinfandel. This is partly due to the fact that the vineyard was planted with a clone that seems to do well in the iron rich, volcanic rock.

~ ~ ~

Varietals:	97.5% Zinfandel, 2.5% Petite Syrah
Appellation:	Sonoma Valley
Alcohol:	15.0%
Comments:	Zinfandel that dreams of being a blend of Cote Rôtie and Cornas, but can't help loving being in California. That is what happens when you put zinfandel on nonexistent soil and 60 degree slopes. It produces a wine that shows all raspberries, black cherry and spice that a zinfandel has but roasted earth components and spice that only can be found in the syrah of the Northern Rhone. One of the most compelling zinfandels I have ever made.
Reviews:	Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate: 92 points This Zinfandel is from a site planted on a steep slope in volcanic rock. It boasts a dark ruby/purple color, big, sweet raspberry and cherry fruit notes, and a heady, spicy finish. Although not complex, it is a classic Jeff Cohn creation - full, flavorful, interesting and provocative. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.
Expanded Notes:	PDF Printable Version