The blend started by barrel sampling through 16 different lots of Zinfandel and choosing two that were exemplary of the varietal and vintage. The Costa Zin was selected for its acidity, red fruit and spicy pepper with an elegant finish. The Burney Mettler was the opposite – big dark fruit with firm tannins and bold structure. These wines were then blended equally. In the cellar, we added our barrel fermented Farrah Syrah to bring additional depth and toasty vanilla aromas. We then incorporated Cabernet, which encouraged the reemergence of dark fruits and round tannins. Finally we added Petite Sirah to enhance the color and structural integrity of the blend as well as give the wine aromas of blueberries with a hint of licorice. Blend: 80% Zinfandel, 10% Syrah, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petite Sirah.