2013 Steele Zinfandel Pacini Vineyard Mendocino

VINEYARD: The Pacini family planted this vineyard circa 1940 on the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in Mendocino County. This beautiful old vineyard is head-pruned. Steele Wines purchased the vineyard in 1998 from the Pacini family. Since then, we have been refurbishing the vineyard and replacing vines in the positions where the old vines have died. The location of the vineyard prevents us from irrigating or frost protecting due to the limited water supply. This provides for the intense flavors and aromas in this low yielding zinfandel.

WINE STYLE & TASTING NOTES

We keep the temperatures on our fermentations moderate to develop the color and flavors inherent in this wine. The Pacini Vineyard Zinfandel ages in American oak barrels for 12 months, using 25% new barrels. This selection of oak allows us to maximize the fruit component while rounding out the structure of the wine. This wine is known for its spicy and brambly character. The nose has a bacon and a white pepper element, and the palate is full of berries, spice, cola, with a dusty chocolate finish. The wine has great structure, and is well balanced