2006 Chumeia Vineyards Zinfandel California is light, sweet and zippy
Chumeia Vineyards, which is located in Paso Robles, California, opened its doors to the public and made their wines available in May of 2001. Set against green, rolling hills and blue skies punctuated with the occasional puffy white cloud, this winery has seen substantial success.
Their most successful vintage to date may be the 2006 Chumeia Vineyards Zinfandel California. It is hugely popular and a wine enthusiast favorite. In addition to Zinfandel, Chumeia also produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and more.
The California Zinfandel grape, which is the starting point for the 2006 Chumeia Vineyards Zinfandel California, is somewhat of a mystery. Experts cannot agree upon where it originated. While they believe it is European in origin, they know it is not native to Italy. Zinfandel’s fame definitely began in the United States, where it was introduced in California during the Gold Rush of the 1850′s. Zinfandels are often described as fruity and spicy.
The 2006 Chumeia Vineyards Zinfandel California had a shaky start. The 2006 growing season experienced some extremely cold weather which damaged portions of the vines and caused the vines to produce a smaller than average yield. The grapes that were harvested were also smaller than average.
The 2006 Chumeia Vineyards Zinfandel California’s varietal composition is 100% Zinfandel, the grapes having been harvested in October of 2006. The vintage fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks for fourteen days, which accounts for its light body. After it fermented, the vintage was allowed to age in the tanks for twelve months. Then, it was flash aged for three months in new American oak. The flash age process allowed the tannins to soften and the mid-palate to develop.
The result in this California Zinfandel is a light, evenly balanced and very drinkable wine. Wine tasters will enjoy the experience of the tremendous aroma of luscious strawberry jam. This vintage offers a sweet note of flavorful vanilla intertwined with zippy pepper spice.
The winemaker credited with this vintage is Lee Nesbitt of Chumeia Vineyards. The vintage was bottled in April 28, 2008 and released May 16, 2008.
The total production of the 2006 Chumeia Vineyards Zinfandel California was 800 cases. The suggested retail price set by the winery is $14.
Wine Facts
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: Zinfandel
Winery: Chumeia Vineyards
Region: Paso Robles, California, USA
Blend: 100% Zinfandel
PH: 3.6
Acid: 0.6
Sugar: 26.6 Brix
Alcohol: 15%