VINEYARD Chiles Valley, a Sub-AVA Lying Within the Boundaries of The

Producer: Leonard Wine Company Brand: Leonard Varietal: 87% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Petite Verdot, 2% Grenache Blanc Vintage: 2014 AVA: Napa Valley Sub-AVAs: Chiles Valley Vineyard: Rustridge Vineyard New Oak: 25% Harvest Date: 9/8/14 Bottling Date: 3/23/16 Release Date: 11/1/16 Case production: 113 cases Alc. 14.2% pH 3.42 TA 6.9 g/L

VINEYARD Chiles Valley, a sub-AVA lying within the boundaries of the greater Napa Valley AVA, is a very narrow wine growing valley perched 1,000 feet up in the eastern mountains above the Napa Valley floor. Early sunsets and brutally chilly nights result in effeminate and tautly structured wines. Owners Jim Fresquez and Susan Meyer lovingly farm their 50 acres. An old and rare, dry farmed vineyard planted in 1974, it yields tiny amounts of concentrated fruit at 1.5 tons/acre.

WINEMAKING The greatness of this particular wine is derived from our micro- managed farming of a 2-acre parcel of rows planted to a rare Zinfandel clone, the Hendry clone. With old wood the size of tree trunks and dry farmed roots sunk deep into the shale and loam soil, we personally farm each vine from pruning to canopy management to fruit thinning all to guide its energy into a memorizing Zinfandel filled with a spice and briar fruit that is distinctly Chiles Valley. Our commitment to producing world-class Northern California Zinfandel was inspired by this parcel.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES A feminine wine rendered from cold nights. A great wine fueled by the earth. The 2014 Rustridge Vineyard Zinfandel performed with classic structure, bing cherry, briar fruit, Christmas spice, clove, and cedar. Some Petite Sirah adds chewiness and a dark shade. A strong new barrel made from both French and Pennsylvania oak dresses the champion well.