2 - 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
2 - 2011 Zinfandel, Meek's Hilltop Ranch, Sonoma Valley
2 - 2011 Syrah, England Crest, Sonoma Valley
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
2011 Zinfandel, Meek's Hilltop Ranch, Sonoma Valley
George and Abby Meeks purchased the historic Hilltop Ranch twenty years ago. The ranch had been the site of a pre-Prohibition winery, and still had a small block of ancient vines (a field blend) and a block of Chardonnay that was planted in the 1960’s.
Medium red with a slight purple tint. The aroma is very forward; lots of berry- raspberry, strawberry, blackberry. It's somewhat reminiscent of chocolate covered cherries. There is great complexity, with notes of briar, caramel, spice and a hint of juniper. On the palate it is quite elegant for a Zinfandel, i.e. NOT a heavy, sweet, oaky blockbuster. Medium body, very fruity (but not sweet), smooth tannins and a bit of heat on the finish. It's drinking beautifully now, and I think there's not a lot of aging potential. Best within the next year plus.
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Good intensity of Bing cherry like fruit with blackberry, licorice, violets, vanilla and hints of leather and spice. Medium body, smooth, dry with medium tannins. Aging potential is another three to five years.
2011 Syrah, England Crest, Sonoma Valley
Classic Syrah aromas of black fruit, bacon, and allspice with floral and gamy notes. Hints of coffee, black pepper and grilled meats. Full, fleshy entry, rich viscous mouthfeel, slightly chewy tannin with a slightly tart, dry finish.
Specs
2011 Zinfandel, Meek's Hilltop Ranch, Sonoma Valley
Blend:
95.3% Zinfandel, 4.7% Durif (aka "Petite Sirah)
Harvest dates: Oct.3-14, 2011, ave. 23.5 degrees brix, 3.35pH
Aging: 10 months in French and American oak, 15% new
Bottling: 499 cases on Aug. 20, 2011
Alcohol: 14.9%
pH: 3.7
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Blend:
44.5% Cabernet sauvignon, F.R. Maestas Vineyard
34% Cabernet sauvignon, Handal-Denier Vineyard
2% Cabernet sauvignon, Mohrhardt Ridge Vineyard
7.5% Merlot, Wellington Estate
6.5% Petit Verdot, Sarlo Vineyard
5.5% Cabernet franc, Baron Vineyard
Aging: 19 months in 60 gallon barrels, predominately French oak, approx. 30% new.
Alcohol: 14.0%
pH: 3.65
2011 Syrah, England Crest, Sonoma Valley
Blend:
100% Syrah, England Crest Vineyard, aged 13 months in 60 gallon French oak barrels, 16% new.
Alcohol: 14.0%
pH: 3.70