2008 Ratzinger Zinfandel - El Dorado

2008 Ratzinger Zinfandel El Dorado

The Trinitas 2008 RatZINger is a hand crafted very small lot Zinfandel created in the namesake of former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. The Busch Family visits the Pope every year and in April 2012 Tim and Steph Busch presented The Holy Father with this special wine. Benedict XVI was excited about this heart felt tribute and the wine sits in the Papal Apartment today. Aromas of ripe plums, Cherries Jubilee, and cola berry overwhelm the senses; while the more masculine, gamey, briar notes truly make this a complex nose. The palate begins with cherry liqueur and some black currant undertones. The sophisticated palate will pick up a whisper of boysenberry on the finish.

The Winemaking
The RatZINger was barrel aged in American oak for a staggering 42 months. The wine was tank fermented with 3 pump overs a day extracting the maximum amount of color and flavor from the skins during the 14 day maceration.

The Vineyard
The grapes for the 2008 RatZINger were hand selected from one of the best vineyards in the Sierra Foothills within El Dorado County. The warmer climate is perfect for Zinfandel and the elevation and rocky soil contribute to the various complexities and depth of this wine.

The Vintage
Vintners will remember 2008 as a year that offered winemakers a little bit of everything. It may end up being a year known for exceptional quality but not abundance. Drought preceded a hard frost, which led to an uneven set and a small crop. The heat spikes started just as the harvest began but after that it was all smooth sailing.

Additional Resources
Label  | Notes  | Talker
 

 

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