2009 XYZin 50 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 750ml 2-Pack

XYZin 50 shows the best of the new and old. This wine gives a nod to tradition, while turning an eye toward the future. XYZin 50 exhibits bright fruit balanced by an elegant weight, elusive spice, confident regional character and stylish oak.

The Russian River Valley is home to many traditionally farmed Zinfandel vineyards that were planted in the 1950’s and 1960’s. These head-trained vines stand distinctly in a landscape of trellised acreage, a counterpoint of tradition in a sea of modernity.  The cool breezes and foggy mornings in the region enhance the spice elements inherent in the Zinfandel grape resulting in wines that display attractive racy fruit with a refined spice dimension. XYZin 50 shows plush, bramble berry fruit and crème brulee on the nose and a juicy palate swirling with blueberry, raspberry, and black currant. The background spice notes are reminiscent of sandalwood and Darjeeling tea that meld well with the cocoa-like tannins. This claret style of Zinfandel is crafted to complement food and will be best enjoyed over a relaxing meal. Pair XYZin 50 with herb-roasted chicken stuffed with dried cherries, traditional spinach salad served with hearty toasted brown bread, braised tofu medallions, or simple flatbreads topped with caramelized onions, blue cheese and pear.

2009 XYZin 100 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 750ml

Of the thousands of acres planted to Zinfandel in California, less than one percent is more than a century old. While these ancient vines struggle to produce a small crop, they yield wines of such complexity and mystery that they have established the authority of "Old Vine" Zinfandel.

The Dry Creek Valley in the opinion of Winemaker Ondine Chattan is the spiritual home of the Zinfandel grape. It is instinctual that the oldest vine offering would come from this historic region. Their 100 year old vines reside there on the eastern bench land of Dry Creek overlooking the valley below. These sturdy vines produce small, deeply colored berries that yield rich, concentrated wines with a pleasingly familiar array of flavors and textures. The 2009 growing season was unusually cool and they had to be patient for these old vines to mature their small crop. Though harvested two weeks later than is typical XYZIN was rewarded with beautiful color extraction and a myriad of exotic aromatics. The fruit in the XYZin 100 is an intriguing mix of black fig, candied apple, boysenberry, strawberry and peppery pomegranate. There are rich earth flavors as well that are reminiscent of fresh loam, dried sage, and Mejool dates. The body of the wine shows balance and elegance: a restraint that is uncommon in Zinfandel and allows it to pair well with a range of foods from lean meats to crawfish boil.