“Rich, jammy and potent, with deep flavors of blackberry and currant accented by licorice and savory pepper flavors. Finishes with firm tannins. Drink now through 2030.” Wine Spectator 90 points
Vineyard: Our Bismark Mountain vineyard is in the Mayacamas Mountains in the Moon Mountain District, Sonoma County appellation. Two and three-quarter acres were planted in 1993, 9’ by 4’, on very rocky ground. In 2000 we grafted an additional 2676 vines (3.99 acres) to Zinfandel. In all we have six small blocks of Zinfandel at Bismark. Two of them were harvested for the 2018 Hanna Zinfandel.
Vintage 2018: Moderate temperatures (aside from a brief heat spike in June), adequate rainfall, and no frost pressure set the stage for even maturation of early season cultivars. While Russian River was enshrouded in fog for much of August and early September, Alexander Valley and Bismark Mountain basked in the warmth of all-day late summer sunshine. Thus, the two blocks of Zin were harvested by September 19, 2018 at a TA of 0.88 g/100 mL and pH 3.51.
Winemaking: Beginning in 2018 we decided that, in addition to our extravagant Bismark Zinfandel, we would add an elegant, lower alcohol style to our offerings. We used winemaking techniques that emphasized gentleness – in fact very much like our Pinot Noir winemaking.
Tasting Notes: Bright ruby with notes of fresh grated coconut, raspberry clafoutis, caramel apple and a hint of bitters. Flavors echo the aromas with the addition of a red plum and nutmeg note. Texturally it is supple, bright, balanced and refreshing. (tasted 10-30-19)
Variety 97% Zinfandel, 3% Home Ranch Pinot Noir
Vineyard Location Bismark Mountain blocks 13/18 and 7 Zin. Moon Mountain District Sonoma County