 As a Library Selection, this wine is available exclusively to members of Titus Vineyards Wine Club.
Vineyard
Our sixth vintage of Redwood Valley Zinfandel is produced from an "Old Vine" Zinfandel vineyard in Mendocino County. The vines were planted in the 1930's using St. George rootstock and a Zinfandel selection commonly used in Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley. After more than six decades of production, the vines remain vital, healthy and perfectly adapted to their unirrigated bench land soils. A small lot of Petite Sirah was purchased from a neighboring vineyard in Redwood Valley for blending with the Zinfandel.
Vinification
Following harvest, the grapes were de-stemmed but not crushed, allowing increased control over tannin extraction by minimizing the possibility of broken skins and split seeds. Following a 48-hour cold soak to extract color and flavor, the grapes underwent a warm fermentation, with pump-overs occurring twice daily, and were pressed shortly after dryness was achieved. The free-run was transferred to American oak barrels, where it underwent malolactic fermentation. Petite Sirah was fermented and barrel aged separately, and blended into the Zinfandel prior to bottling.
Wine Profile
The 2003 Mendocino Old Vine Zinfandel is juicy and mouth filling with a graceful balance of vivid fruit and varietal spice. Heady aromas of plum, boysenberry cordial, briar, soy sauce, and Zinfandel spice lead to succulent flavors of black raspberry, hints of pepper and cocoa, along with seasoned notes of vanilla and American oak spice. This wine is drinking beautifully now, but will continue to develop for another three to four years.
Profile Update 2/3/09
Delicious red, candied fruits and baking spices run deep throughout the 2003 Redwood Valley Old Vine Zinfandel. A good structure continues to hold together the black pepper, dark brambly fruit and lightly developing leather quality that extends through the still lengthy, spicy finish. The soft, round tannins remind us of why we enjoy drinking older vintage wines. This wine is a treat to enjoy now and has, in our opinion, two solid years of cellaring potential during which the Old Vine Zin will continue to evolve and reward.
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