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The Morelli Lane Vineyard is archetypal for all we love about our part of the world: scenic, alive with history, and delicious. This 19th century planting is located at the top of Stoetz Ridge, just north of the town of Occidental on the far western edge of the Russian River Valley appellation. The dry-farmed, head-trained 1.8-acre block is all that's left of a vineyard planted by the area's early Italian settlers over 100 years ago. The long, cool 2006 growing season well suited the old vines at Morelli Lane, giving them plenty of time to perfectly ripen. Picked on October 27th of that year, this wine displays the soft elegance and bright raspberry/cherry fruit that makes it so prized. The 2006 is a particularly easy drinking version of the old vine zin, with its moderate alcohol, exceptionally supple tannins and bright acidity. On the nose it shows the classic Morelli frambois, coupled with lots of bing cherry and some toasty overtones. It follows with candied cherry along with a bit of allspice and toffee in the mouth, and lingers with sweet tannins and berry fruit. Its elegant balance yields a zin perfect for pairing with foods like lasagna, many cheese, and just abut anything off the barbeque. 248 cases produced.
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