Zepaltas Wines

The La Cruz Vineyard, the property owned by Keller Estate in the Petaluma Gap, has been consistently turning out elegant, densely flavored pinot for us since we started purchasing fruit in 2005. The vines that we source from are all hillside planted, low yielding vines. We can always expect powerful flavors with lots of layers.
We added a new clone to the mix in 2009. We got a couple tons of Pommard clone to go along with the Dijon 115, 114 and the mystery “Suitcase Clone” that we have been working with. What I like about the Pommard clone in general is the dark, earthy flavors it has, and for some reason works really well with stem inclusion during fermentation (about 25%.)
The final blend here is an equal mix of 115, 114, Suitcase Clone and Pommard. The wine was aged for 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels.
On the nose, scents of wet stones, cherry, currant, and on the palate, chalky tannins hold up the wine and give it structure and sets the stage for flavors of raspberry, strawberry and mineral. This wine should be good for both early drinking (with food) and cellaring for 3-5 years