By Gregory James Wines
2017 Carreras Ranch Zinfandel

Vintage Notes
The 2017 vintage was not for the faint of heart. The year began with much-welcomed rain that ended a five-year drought in California. The dry-farmed vines in the Carreras Ranch Vineyard could finally relax and recharge, having worked extra hard to produce fruit through the extended drought. During the growing season, five heat spikes once again tested the old vines. Still, with proper canopy management, the fruit prevailed and was harvested in September before the devastating fires of 2017 began. With all the challenges that had to be overcome in 2017, the wines show the vine's perseverance and community.

Vineyard Notes
The Carreras Ranch Vineyard reminds Jim Demuth - founder of Gregory James Wines - of his love of farming and tradition. The vineyards were first planted by Italian immigrants to the Dry Creek Valley over 100 years ago. Planted on the East side of the valley, the Carreras Ranch Vineyard is situated on bench lands with volcanic soils rich in iron. The original vineyard blocks were planted as 'field blends,' meaning the vineyard was not planted to just one varietal. Most of the vines sourced for Gregory James Wines are Zinfandel, although there are some Carignane, Napa Gamay, Golden Chasselas, Petite Sirah, and Grenache vines mixed in. Mixing in these blending varietals - even a few vines - influences the flavor and balance of the wine.

Winemaking Notes
This Zinfandel is made using many traditional techniques, with modern touches to maintain quality. The fruit is fermented in small fermentation bins where the color, flavor, and aromatics are extracted from the skins, and delicate punch-downs are done by hand. Using native yeasts from the vineyard gives a further sense of place to this wine. Fermentation was monitored closely and completed after two weeks. After pressing the juice from the skins and seeds, secondary fermentation commenced to soften the acidity of the wine before barrel aging.

Technical Details
Grape Variety: Zinfandel (With touches of field blend varietals)
Vineyard Source: Carreras Ranch, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Harvested: September 2017
Barrel Treatment: 30% New and 70% Neutral French Oak
Bottled: July 2019
TA: 8.00 g/L
pH: 3.54
[Information provided by Matador Vino]