2000 York Creek Late Picked Zinfandel

A mild growing season and warm September weather on Spring Mountain ripened these grapes very fully, producing a wine similar to the 1999. The zinfandel was de-stemmed and crushed; most was submerged-cap fermented. The petite sirah was also de-stemmed, but left as whole berries, and a floating cap fermentation helped to control the amount of tannin extracted. Over the years we have included as much as fifteen percent petite sirah in the York Creek Zinfandel; with this wine we preferred a surprising twenty-five percent. The additional tannin gives definition – and greater length on the palate – to the rich, jammy zinfandel fruit, balancing the wine’s almost late-harvest style. Color is deep, structure firm. Integrated and approachable now, this big zinfandel will be at its best over the next five to seven years. PD (2/02)

Since 1962, Ridge has championed single-vineyard winemaking, searching California for those rare sites where climate, soil, and varietal are ideally matched. Using traditional methods, we strive for exceptional wines from distinctive fruit.

Average Rating: 85.5

No. of Tasting Notes: 21

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