 As a Library Selection, this wine is available exclusively to members of Titus Vineyards Wine Club.
Vintage
The unpredictable nature of the 2003 growing season began with heat spikes in March followed by the wettest April on record. In August and September Titus grapes demonstrated early development of flavor, character and maturity, but attaining ripeness took a few additional weeks. A scattering of brief late rain showers encouraged vine vigor, resulting in an above-average sized crop. In September, unseasonably warm days alternated with cooler, overcast days delaying harvest wrap-up until late October.
Vineyard
Titus Vineyards Napa Valley Zinfandel is produced from grapes grown in our family vineyard on Silverado Trail just north of St. Helena. The vines are over 25 years old and are grown without irrigation or "dry-farmed," an old world winegrowing practice, to produce low yields of concentrated fruit.
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
Our 2003 Napa Zinfandel is a bright and immediately likeable wine. The complex nose displays vibrant notes of Danube cherry with undertones reminiscent of curry and Thai basil. Medium bodied with moderate tannins and balanced oak, this wine fills the mouth with flavors of fresh raspberry puree, strawberry-rhubarb preserves, and barrel spice. This wine is drinking optimally now, with an aging potential of three to four years.
|
