Technical Data for Trinitas Cellars 2005 Zinfandel, Spinelli Vineyard

Wine Technical Data
Blend	100% Zinfandel
Appelation	Spinelli Vineyard, Contra Costa County
Harvest Dates	September, 2005
Fermentation	pre-fermentation cold soak with traditional pump-over cap management.
Aging / Cooperage	14 months of aging, 30% new American oak.
Alcohol	15% by volume
Acidity	TA: 7.5, pH: 3.32

Technical Notes - Trinitas Cellars 2005 Zinfandel, Spinelli Vineyard

A pre-fermentation cold soak with traditional pump-over cap management preserved the unique fruit qualities of this wine. After malolactic occurred in neutral wood, an addition of 30% new American oak was used to enhance the spice flavor components and to frame the fruit with added structure in the mid-palate. During 14 months of aging, this wine was racked once and only lightly filtered before bottling.

About the Vineyards

The vineyard source for these Zinfadnel grapes was planted in 1909 by Portuguese settlers John and Marie Azevedo. In 1955 Gustavo Spenelli along with his wife Mary and two sons Frank, and Angelo began to manage the vineyard for the Azevedo family. They purchased the 18 acre parcel in 1970. Sadly only five acres remain. Fifty-two years of family vineyard management made this wine the gem of our 2005 Vintage.

About the Vintage

The 2005 growing season was one wild ride, and as always weather was the key. The winter season was unusually cold and soggy but by mid-March temperatures soared unseasonably into the 80’s throughout California, setting the vineyards into bud break around mid-March followed by late spring rains and cool weather dampening the spirits of many vintners and growers. When rain and cool temperatures strike during bloom, the flowers often fail and uneven bunches develop, typically referred to as “shatter”. The challenge is to get the affected bunches to ripen evenly. Luckily the weather turned around with the arrival of mostly sunny and warm days in July and August allowing the grapes to ripen. September was cooler than expected but a brief warm spell finally brought the grapes to physical maturity.

Winemaker's tasting notes

Sweet berry flavors give this old-fashioned, earthy zin lasting fruit impact. It has the festive holiday scent of evergreen boughs and tarry, bitter black tannins to balance all the fruit. An hour in a decanter will bring out its rustic charm.