Layer Cake Primitivo "aka Zinfandel" 2007

A balance of elegance and power; inky black fruit, spice and white pepper, jammy black cherries, plums, blackberry fruit, truffles, tar, and espresso. Warm and rich in the mouth with a creamy texture; the ripe fruit is well supported by the deep structure of the wine. Sit back and travel through time…Relax on a hot summer evening, the fountain in the background, church-bells in the distance.

The fruit comes from head-trained old vines and is harvested in early September. This is truly remarkable plant material in very old vineyards; some dating to Roman times. The soils in Manduria are red iron-rich clays with large calcareous rocks, shells and coral from ancient sea beds. We’re talking ancient, gnarled baskets hugging the ground and rocks around them, ancient chariots buried underneath, lost civilization stuff.

Stainless fermentation, to preserve the fruit character, then more tannic lots see 3 to 4 months in two year old French barrique to soften the tannins.

The fruit comes from Old, head-trained vines (some exceeding 100 yrs) and are harvested in mid-September—truly remarkable plant material in vineyards dating to Roman times.The Soils in Manduria are red iron-rich clays with large calcareous rocks and ancient coral (ancient sea bed).

The wine is slightly spicy, it makes me think of Carribean type cuisine, roasted chicken breast, black beans with plantains and collard greens.

Carole Meredith of UC Davis —the most important genetic academic in the world of wine has confirmed Primitivo & Zinfandel have identical DNA’s Her studies began in Croatia in 2001 and guided her along the Dalmatian coast.