2003 Rosenblum Cellars Annettes Reserve Redwood Valley

Veterinarian-winemaker Kent Rosenblum turns out an enormous array of small-production Zinfandels from around the state; in 2003 there were few better than this velvety, almost portlike wine.

Rosenblum Cellars produces an internationally renowned portfolio of more than 40 wines from top vineyards located throughout California's finest appellations. Originally known for world-class vineyard-designated zinfandels, Rosenblum Cellars also crafts a full range of award-winning wines, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petite sirah, syrah, chardonnay, viognier, marsanne and roussanne.

An artful combination of old world techniques and new world innovation helps Rosenblum Cellars create wines with unusual character, complexity, and, most important, outright enjoyment. With a firm belief that great wines require great fruit, much attention is paid to the care given to the grapevines. Superior vineyards are selected in the top regions, such as Sonoma, Napa, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, and McLaren Vale. These vineyards are carefully cropped to keep yields low so that the flavor concentration remains high in the grapes. The fruit is allowed to become completely ripened which helps create the unique Rosenblum Cellars flavor characteristic of sumptuous full fruit.

Grapes are picked according to when they achieve the desired flavors, not according to preset measurements - this ensures that the resulting wine will taste just right. The harvested grapes are brought to the winery in Alameda, where they are hand sorted to ensure only the best grapes are used. Specific yeast types are carefully selected for each grape varietal to enhance the synergy between all the elements. Rosenblum Cellars is at the forefront of the latest enology; winemaker Jeff Cohn is often asked to speak at seminars for other winemakers on the latest techniques.

Primary fermentation for most wines is done in small batches with punch down by hand several times each day. While quite labor intensive, this dedication to working individually with each batch maximizes the flavor, complexity and color extraction from the grapes without introducing the imbalance or off flavors that can result from more automated processes.

Over 20 types of barrels are used at Rosenblum, including French oak, American oak, and even barrels from Australia, Hungary, and Russia. Most wines use a combination of new and older oak from a variety of manufacturers to ensure that the barrel enhancements are subtle and balanced, with no dominant barrel flavors. The final result of using this careful craftsmanship at every step is the creation of a bottle of wine that offers the pure enjoyment and excellent value that is associated with Rosenblum Cellars.