Rocky Road Zinfandel 2008
TASTING NOTE
Dried and crushed blackcurrants over brandied fruitcake make this sarsaparilla blend a spicy but sweet combination. Fleshy tannins are found upfront in a mouthful of tangy raspberry bon bon and grape pastille. The palate lingers with flavours of dried fruit panforte. A mid weight deep red wine; alluring with its intensity and sensory pleasure.
Ryan Walsh and Freya Hohnen, winemakers
THE SEASON
The 2008 vintage started early but once the whites were picked, ripening slowed due to some cooler weather in early March allowing some longer time for tannin development in the red varieties.
The whites look exceptional with beautiful natural acidity coupled with ripe fruit flavours. Tonnages were low thanks to a little Spring hail.
VINEYARDS
Fruit is sourced from the Rocky Road vineyard which lies in the headwaters of the Chapman Brook, near Witchcliffe in the south of the Margaret River region. With a northerly aspect, the vines enjoy long days of sunshine, moderated by the vineyard’s southern location. All vines on the McHenry Hohnen vineyards are grown on a single bilateral cordon with a vertically trained canopy. It is a simple and practical format that maximises light penetration and maintains a balanced vine.
VINIFICATION
The family has been involved with zinfandel since the variety was first introduced to the region in 1972. The mother vines were imported from California, originating from a vineyard in Lodi.
Judging perfect ripeness is the only difficult winemaking decision due to the uneven ripening of bunches - a habit which is peculiar to this variety.
The grapes are fermented in small open-top vats and plunged for colour, flavour and tannin extraction. Towards completion of the primary fermentation the skins are pressed and the wine is run to barrel for finishing and maturation. The wine is bottled in late summer prior to the next vintage
Alcohol 14.5
pH 3.46
Acidity 6.7
Residual sugar 1.1
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