During the 12 Days of Zin I'm looking at a wide array of wine from all sorts of producers, big, small and everywhere in between. Additionally some of them have been around a long time and some of them not. Today I'm looking at Truett-Hurst Winery. They are a new Biodynamic Farm and Winery in Dry Creek Valley. They've planted themselves on 24 acres and in addition to vines they will have gardens, livestock and more. While they get that up and running they've released wines that have been made from purchased fruit. I'm looking at three of their brand new Zinfandel releases.
First up is the Truett-Hurst 2006 Three Vineyards Zinfandel. The fruit for this wine was sourced from three vineyards, two in Dry Creek and one in Russian River. 97% of wine is Zinfandel with 3% Petite Sirah blended in. This offering spent 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. 2,674 cases of this Zin were made and the suggested retail price is $24.99.
The Three Rivers Zinfandel has a huge nose of berry fruit, underscored by spice notes. From the first sip through the palate a solid core of strawberry, red raspberry and cherry bursts out and coats your taste buds. The cherry notes carry the most prominently from the mid-palate through to the finish which also has excellent white pepper notes and earth that becomes more prominent as the wine opens up. This offering has excellent acidity and is nicely structured. While it has some jam fruit elements it's a well balanced and proportioned wine built to compliment food. The small dollop of Petite Sirah adds to the structure and enhances the darker fruit components.
Today's second Zinfandel from Truett-Hurst Winery is the 2006 Red Rooster. This wine is 100% 
Zinfandel and all Dry Creek Valley fruit. It was aged in French and American oak for 14 months. 2,084 cases of this Zin were made and the suggested retail price is $28.99
Plum and blackberry jam fill the nose of this wine. From the first sip forward a tone of blackberry fruit fills this selections palate along with cracked black pepper. The mid-palate has some lovely black tea notes that linger, teasing the tongue and carrying through to the finish which is filled with mineral notes, additional pepper and a touch of bramble. This wine is rich, luscious and mouth-filling throughout. Balance is once again an appropriate descriptor as this Zin keeps its flavors nicely in check. This will pair beautifully with a hangar steak or other grilled meats.
The third and final wine I'm looking at today from Truett-Hurst is the 2006 Rattler Rock Zinfandel. This offering is 100% varietal and all Russian River Valley fruit. The Rattler Rock Zin spent 14 months i
n a combination of French and American oak. 984 cases of this selection were produced and the suggested retail price is $28.99.
Red raspberry, plum and white pepper are the chief components of a big, expressive nose. Taking the first sip I was hit with additional raspberry which was also joined by cherry and subtle but present vanilla notes. Spice fills the mid-palate with nutmeg and cardamom emerging the most prominently as they glide over the solid core of fruit. The finish features earth and bramble along with black pepper and a touch of sour cherry. In comparison to the other two wines this has a few more layers and a more evident structure. I'd expect this one to age nicely and drink well for the next 3-5 years.
All three Zins from Treutt-Hurst Winery are notable. They each have their own strengths and shining characteristics. However, Balance and proportion are things they share the most prominently. These are well made wines, ready to drink now and accompany an excellent meal. That said, their style, balance and structure suggest that each of them will drink well for a number of years. It's particularly impressive to see results like these from a brand new operation such as Truett-Hurst Winery. It bodes well for the other wines they have recently released as well was the style of wine they will be producing on a go forward basis. These are worth making an extra effort to seek out.
Up Next: The 12 Days of Zin Continues!
Check out ZAP The Group dedicated to Zinfandel.
Please take a quick moment to vote for my blog