|
Initial aromas of berry, licorice and spice. Fruit, acid and tannins are in balance. The palate
transitions subtly from the initial berry fruit through mouth-watering acid, followed by
pleasantly firm tannins. Complex flavors and aromas include dark cherries and berries,
cinnamon, licorice, cocoa, forest and mushroom. Block 28 Zin is terrific with anything on the
grill, especially ribs and rib-eye steaks, but also lends itself nicely to braised, meaty dishes.
Hendry Block 28 is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa. This 4.17 acre block is
160 feet above sea level and has thin, stony Boomer Series soils. Morning fog and strong
afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay moderate the maritime climate. The vines were planted
in 1995 using St. George roots and grafted with bud wood selected from an old vine Zinfandel
vineyard. The vines are spaced 6.9' x 5', cordon trained and spur pruned. A vertical trellis
system supports the cordon and the canopy.
In 2007, the median bud break in Block 28 occurred April 2. Median bloom was May 22 and
median veraison was July 31. Harvest was September 18, with a yield of 4 tons per acre. The
alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately one week in closed fermentation
tanks. The wine was pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging was
fifteen months in French oak barrels, 65% of which were new.
|
