2007 Hendry Primitivo

Hendry Block 24 is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa.  This 1.96  acre block is approximately 200 feet above sea level and has thin, stony Boomer series soils. The maritime climate is moderated by morning fog and strong afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay.   The vines were planted in 1997 using St. George roots and grafted with U.C.D. Primitivo Clone 3.  The vines are spaced 6.9’ x 5’, cordon trained and spur pruned.  A vertical trellis system supports the cordon and the canopy.  Average production is 3.5 tons per acre and the average harvest dates are between September 15 and September 20.

In 2007, the median bud break in Block 24 occurred March 29.  Median bloom was May 22 and median veraison was July 29.  Harvest was September 7 with a an average yield of 3.45 tons per acre.  The alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately ten days in closed stainless steel fermentation tanks. After completing alcoholic fermentation, the wine was pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation.  Aging was fifteen months in 100% French oak barrels, of which approximately one-third were new.  

Cocoa and cherry jam lead the way aromatically in Zinfandel’s long-lost twin, Primitivo.  The family resemblance is undeniable.  More jammy fruit on the palate, with easy-going oak adding a layer of complexity and refinement. As George puts it, this wine has “a high yum factor.”

Alcohol is 15.2 %

845 cases produced

pH 3.71

TA .62