McHenry & Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard Zinfandel 2016
A lifted nose of spiced red plums, raspberries and star anise combine with red liquorice, cloves and cinnamon stick. The medium bodied palate displays cranberry confection, sour cherries and dried flowers, and is driven by a lovely natural acidity. The structure is silky, yet defined by smooth tannins.
100% Hazel’s Vineyard. The southernmost vineyard, which is more inland than the Burnside and Calgardup vineyards, combines cooling Southern Ocean influences with a northerly aspect and plenty of sunshine. The fruit is sourced from a small block at the western side of our property where the Lodi clone vines deliver small and intense bunches of fruit.
Grapes were harvested in the early hours of the morning and transferred by gravity in concrete vats without any crushing of the berries. Primary fermentation was completed by the indigenous yeast and the wine was gently pressed to old American and French hogsheads after 8 days for malo-lactic fermentation. After maturation for 16 months in our cellars the wine was bottled without any fining after a coarse filtration.