Kevin's comments:  A characteristically robust and spicy wine. The nose offers ripe scents of jammy blackberry, blueberry and raspberry fruits with a pronounced pepper tone. On the palate the wine’s rich, spicy brambleberry flavours are bright and zesty, with balancing sturdy tannins.

ZINFANDEL PARDUCCI

Under the leadership of Paul Dolan, former President of Fetzer Vineyards, Parducci are committed to socially responsible and environmentally sound agriculture and winemaking methods while working to enhance the quality, recognition and perception of Mendocino County Wines. The winery, the oldest in Mendocino, was certified as organic by CCOF in 2003 and all vineyards are either certified as or in transition to organic and biodynamic status.  150 acres practice Fish Friendly Farming whereby the use of pesticides and other controls which could be damaging to fish, are kept to an absolute minimum.
Bob Swain, who has been Parducci’s winemaker since 1997, continues at the winery, making the shift from conventional operations to organic farming and sustainable business practices.

Says Paul Dolan ‘We are clear about what we want – an environmentally and socially conscious winery making great wines from Medocino. We want to have fun, reaching out to new audiences with each wine carrying a fresh look and message’.

ZINFANDEL, PARDUCCI

Grapes:   80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah and mixed reds.  

Vineyards: Mendocino is known for its robust, complex Zinfandels, produced for benchland and foothill vineyards. Parducci was one of the first Californian wineries to bottle Zinfandel as a varietal. Grapes are sourced from various vineyards of which 85% are in Mendocino, 10% Lake county and 5% are designated Californian, which adds to the complexity of the wine.

Vinification:  The wine was matured in 55% American oak, 36% French oak and 9% Hungarian oak.
 
Taste: A characteristically robust and spicy wine. The nose offers ripe scents of jammy blackberry, blueberry and raspberry fruits with a pronounced pepper tone. On the palate the wine’s rich, spicy brambleberry flavours are bright and zesty, with balancing sturdy tannins.
 
Serve:  Enjoy this exuberant Zinfandel with everything from from steaks with roasted veggies, red sauced pastas, barbecued ribs and flavourful cheeses.