2017 Zinfandel, Banti Vineyard, Alexander Valley • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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2017

Zinfandel

Banti Vineyard

Alexander Valley

Tasting Notes

This full-bodied wine shows off heady aromas of bright summer strawberry, tanned saddle leather, and freshly ground black pepper. Layers of tangy fruit flavors hint of chutney and baking spice. A warm bitter-sweet chocolate note on the finish tones the brighter acidity of this vibrant wine.

Vintage Notes

The 2017 growing season started out wet with record-breaking rainfall after several dry years. A mild spring led to a timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by ideal conditions of cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer months. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks meant the majority of the fruit was in by the first week of October. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics, and outstanding flavor are all evident in this year’s vintage.

Vineyard Notes

The Banti Vineyard in Alexander Valley was planted with Zinfandel in the late 1950s by Art Banti and his father Frank. Today the property is cared for by Art and his wife Sara, carrying on a family tradition of farming that started with Art’s grandparents who came from Italy in the 1900s. Once planted with apples, prunes, and hops, this historic valley, located just north of Healdsburg, is now home to many vineyards that flourish in the warm summer months.

Winemaker Notes

The grapes undergo a cold soak before fermentation to extract optimal color and aroma. After primary fermentation, the wine is pumped into French oak barrels, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, followed by 15 months of aging.