The nose offers dried red cherry, black plums, raisins, and other dark fruit, with both fresh and dried components. Flavors are juicy, with higher acidity and lighter weight (but not lighter concentration) than most Zinfandels. Both tannins and acid are very well integrated, making for quite an elegant mouthful. Fruits here are mostly red, including pomegranate and a touch of cranberry, with cedar and white pepper notes. It is medium-plus bodied with a longer finish.
WINE INFORMATION
Square Plum, and Level is a small portfolio (3 wines) of single-vineyard wines made in very small quantities. It is part of Crafted Brands, itself a small portfolio of artisanal wines. This Zinfandel is the most recent addition to the line up, made from 55-year-old vines grown in the Biglieri Vineyard at the southern end of Dry Creek Valley. Fruit was harvested at 24.5° Brix (a measure of ripeness), comparatively low for Zinfandel. After fermentation, the wine was aged 20 months in French oak, 30% new. 200 cases were produced.
Charcuterie, Cheese, Grilled preparations, Ham, Hearty stew, Mexican, Mushrooms, Pizza, Pork, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Spicy Food, Tapas, Tomato Sauce, Vegetables, Wild Game