Zepaltas Wines

I feel that our La Cruz often gets overlooked within our roster of wines, because of its shy and elegant nature early in its life. It doesn’t show much early on, and as one customer told me it is kind of a “fastball down the middle.” I do agree, but as retrospective tastings have shown, the wine seems to “run on all cylinders” after about two years in bottle. Right now, the 2008 is showing lots of layers, and has gained intensity in its fruit character (which seems backwards to me.) The 2010 could possibly be our best version of La Cruz (I think I said that last year too.)
Because of its location in the Petaluma Gap along the Lakeville Highway, bud break tends to be about 10-14 days earlier than in our other vineyards. I think that the head start it gets was advantageous in 2010. We got full fruit maturity in the 3 different blocks, and had good acid levels and great flavors at low sugar levels.

The final blend is 75% clone 115, and 25% Pommard selection, both planted on hillside slopes. The 115 provides the brightness, and the Pommard adds the depth, and layers. On the nose we get hints of raspberry, currant and wet stones. There are under layers of mushroom and forest floor that show after a bit of air. The vibrant acidity gives the wine tension and a refreshing feel. The tannins are light to medium grit, and give the wine a nice presence on the finish. I recommend holding this wine for about one year in the cellar before popping it for your best return on investment.