Portrait of a Mutt Zinfandel 2005
Region: California
Winery: Mutt Lynch
Variety: Zinfandel

Brenda’s Winemaking
2005 started early and finished late! Warm temps in early February forced an early bud break. The warmth continued through March, but in April, May, and well into June some wet, cool weather settled in. We pulled leaves and dropped fruit to ensure the best quality and ripeness. Moderate temperatures and foggy nights dominated most of the summer. By September and October we had amazing weather – perfect for growing. This long cool growing period gave the Zinfandel the intense fruit flavors and the Carignane its spicy red fruit flavors that show in this year's release.
Tasting Notes
The quintessential Mutt Lynch wine: dark ruby in color, aromas of black berries and red cherries, and a mouth-filling, mixed "bowl of fruit" with a hint of spice deliver a full-on, fruit-driven Zinfandel. It is medium full in body with great balance, and a long sweet juicy finish that lingers on the palate.
Food Recommendations
Portrait is amazing in its ability to pair with a wide variety of foods - BBQ, pastas, summer-grilled veggies, or by itself watching a ball game while lounging on the couch (okay, with some chips and dip).
What People Have Said
2005 Portrait of a MuttSonoma County Harvest Fair - Consumers Choice "Best Label", Silver Medal
2004 Portrait of a MuttSonoma County Harvest Fair - GOLD MEDAL, Consumers Choice "Best Label"
Beverage Dynamics Magazine - 4 stars (out of 5), 89/100 points. "A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back."
2003 Portrait of a MuttSanta Rosa Press Democrat - "Amazing finds at $15 and under"
2002 Portrait of a MuttSan Francisco International Wine Competition - Double Gold/Best Wine Label, Bronze medal.

Posted by thewinery on December 2nd, 2007 at 11:10am | report comment