Zinfandel 2007
Rocky Road Zinfandel 2007
Vineyards
Fruit is sourced from the Rocky Road vineyard which lies in the headwaters of the Chapman Brook, near Witchcliffe. With a northerly aspect, the vines enjoy long days of sunshine, moderated by the vineyard's southern location.
The soils are tough laterite gravels in which the zinfandel, a hardy drought tolerant cultivar, thrives. 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 Hohnen 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.
After harvest, winemaking is simple. 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.
Tasting Notes by Ryan Walsh and Freya Hohnen, winemakers
An intense nose of blackberry comes from the riper 2007 vintage. Subtle tobacco and fruitcake spice, make this wine all the more complex. The palate shows varietal sour cherry and strawberry with soft tannins balancing well with the Zinfandel acid. Mid weight with an intense bouquet this is a true varietal that over delivers.
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