2006
ZINA HYDE CUNNINGHAM
Petite Sirah
Lake County
TO BE RELEASED DECEMBER 8
Boonville, CA. – December 2, 2009 – Steve Ledson, proprietor of Zina Hyde Cunningham winery in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley, is very pleased to announce the release of the much-anticipated 2006 Zina Hyde Cunningham Petite Sirah. The Diamond Ridge vineyard, located in Lake County produced this award-winning wine from 100% petite sirah and aged in 100% Sansaud french barrels. There are only 157 cases available.
“This wine and vineyard are one of Zina Hyde’s most acclaimed wines and locations,” enthused Ledson. “It is an honor to be recognized both critically and from consumers for this wine.”
Vineyard
Along the southwestern shores of Clear Lake located in the temperate Lake County lie beautiful, rolling hills of vineyard. The angle of the sunlight amidst the hills and valleys creates microclimates within the region allowing the fruit to absorb the warmth from the sun for a more even ripening process. This Petite Sirah comes from a vineyard with breathtaking views and soil that is rich, red, and rocky providing the vines with ultimate nutrition and drainage. The distinct red, volcanic terrain attracts and captures the sunlight which provides an all around warm environment for the grapes producing very flavorful and complex wines. This complexity is enhanced by cooler nights, which enable the fruit to ripen slowly creating a well-balanced wine.
Winemaker’s Notes
Concentrated aromas of earthy blackberry, maple and cedar precede a supple palate of dried plum, currant and black pepper. The lingering finish of currant, pepper and just enough tannin seems to last an eternity. Our Petite Sirah explodes with flavor on the palate, but displays a luscious overall balance. The tannin structure is present, but not overwhelming, making this wine a candidate for aging many years. The cool growing season for this vintage brought reduced yields of concentrated grapes. Wine Enthusiast rated the 2005 vintage one of the Top 100 Wines of 2009, as well as receiving two gold medals at the 2008 Los Angeles International Wine Competition and the 2009 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition. Pair this wine with skewered center cut sirloins of lamb with baby artichoke and a Parmesan polenta cake. This wine will be sure to sell out quickly, due to its increasing popularity and our sought after style for producing this wine.
Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah is the same as the French variety known as Durif, a cross of Peloursin wine with Syrah pollen. A French nurseryman, Dr. François Durif, propagated the grape trying for resistance to powdery mildew and named it after himself, in the 1870s. It produces tannic wines the display flavors of spice and plum. Petite Sirah, in addition to being produced as a single varietal, is often used as a blending grape, adding dark fruit flavors and tannin to lighter wines.Compared to Syrah, the wine is noticeably more purplish in color. The wines are very tannic, with a great aging ability that can exceed many years in the bottle.
In the sleepy little town of Boonville, gateway to the growing wine region of the Anderson Valley, Zina Hyde Cunningham tasting room opened its doors in September, 2006 for guests to taste wines made by a family who came to Mendocino County in 1862. One look at the restored building brings to mind a time of horse and buggies and general stores.
Visitors can enjoy a bottle of wine along with picnic fare from the Boonville General Store on the beautiful picnic grounds. A few games on the bocce court rounds out a perfect Anderson Valley afternoon.
The Zina Hyde Cunningham tasting room is located at 14077 Hwy 128, Boonville, CA. 95415, (707) 895-9462, www.zinawinery.com. Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
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