Vellutini Ranch Syrah 2019

Vellutini Ranch vineyard borders Jackass Vineyard and the backside of Jackass Hill. It is named after Luisa Martinelli’s family, the Vellutini’s who lived on this property. Albert Vellutini was Lee Sr.’s age and they used to fish in the streams and hide from the truant officer when they were kids on this property. They had more fun playing cat and mouse with the truant officer who did not know the creeks and valleys as well as they did.

The 2019 season was overall very cool with record rainfall for Sonoma County in February. The vines however were not affected by this because they were still dormant at the time. Similar to the 2018 season, spring and summer were moderate in temperature and ripening developed gradually and under minimal stress. This year was in fact so similar to 2018 that we began harvest the same day, on September 10^th. Unfortunately another wildfire hit the region at the end of October, but luckily none of our vineyards were affected. The winery and many employees were evacuated, but we were able to keep an eye on the new vintage with a skeleton crew. The quality was not impacted and we are very excited at the concentration of flavors in this vintage.

APPELLATION

Russian River Valley

VARIETALS PLANTED

Zinfandel, Syrah

SOIL INFORMATION

Hugo with Josephine

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

Sandstone with Shale

ROOTSTOCK

420A

BUDWOOD

ZN = Jackass Hill and Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel budwood

YEAR ACQUIRED

1999

YEAR PLANTED

2001, 2002, 2003

Once poured, your nose is submerged in the aromas of coco nib, black plum, and allspice. The palate is layered with flavors of milk chocolate, blackberry and perfectly present tannins. Sweet baking spices are found in the lasting finish.