Grapes for our Zyntheis Zin were predominantly drawn from two up-and-coming areas known for excellent Zinfandel: Amador County and Lodi.

The beautiful rolling hillside vineyards of Amador County, in California’s Sierra Foothills, produce full-bodied Zinfandel with rich black fruit flavors.

The Lodi area in California’s Sacramento River Delta is emerging as a star for producing fruity Zin with ripe berry flavors. Grapes are cooled off on warm Central Valley days by the breezes off the Delta, extending the growing season and adding layers of flavor. Lodi possesses a large number of old-vine plantings, providing grapes of complexity and intensity.

APPELLATION: California

GRAPE SOURCING: 41% Amador County, 39% Lodi, 20% California

VINTAGE    The 2004 growing season was tricky, starting with unusually cool weather through the spring into summer, followed by extended heat spells later in the summer into fall. The challenge for growers was to wait for the grape flavors and tannins to catch up to the high sugar levels in the grapes so that everything balanced out, but patience was rewarded. Wines from this vintage tend to be ultraripe, with big flavors, both characteristics that lend themselves to delicious Zinfandel.

Wine analysis: 0.69% total acid, 3.52 pH, 0.04% residual sugar, and 13.8% alcohol, by volume

WINEMAKING    Our innaugural vintage of Zynthesis Zinfandel displays the same type of delicious drinkability, structure and spice that has gained such a following for our Syrah. Big, bold Zin flavors typical of the 2002 vintage were balanced out with a touch of Cabernet, which also provided some additional structure. Syrah and Petite Sirah add a touch of spice and complexity to the blend. A portion of the wine spent 10 months in oak, adding vanilla and sweet spice notes.

VARIETAL BLEND: 77% Zinfandel, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah and Other Reds

WINEMAKER’S NOTES    Ripe blackberry and red currant flavors, with spicy accents and a smooth yet crisp finish.

This wine is versatile and fun to try with a wide range of dishes. We like it with spicy grilled lamb kabobs and classic American hamburgers.