Sky Vineyards Zinfandel 2019

Grape: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2019
Type: Red

Sourced from dry-farmed, organically grown vines planted at 1,700 feet elevation on Mount Veeder, this high-altitude zinfandel thrives in red volcanic soil. Hand-harvested from steep hillside slopes, the fruit ferments naturally with native yeasts in open-top fermenters using manual punch-downs. The wine ages for over 2 years in neutral French oak barrels to preserve its mountain character without heavy wood influence. Bottled with minimal intervention, this old-school, mountain-grown zinfandel prioritizes cool-climate acidity, peppery spice, and structural longevity over high alcohol and broad extraction.

A translucent garnet color opens to aromas of wild raspberry, tart cherry, cracked black pepper, and crushed pine needles. The palate is focused and linear, delivering energetic flavors of cranberry, red plum, dried sage, and iron-rich minerals. Firm, fine-grained tannins and a bright, cutting beam of natural acidity balance the fruit intensity, creating a light, energetic weight across the mid-palate. It finishes dry, long, and savory, leaving persistent notes of bitter orange zest, white pepper, and crushed rock.