Shortys Block is a 1+ acre section in the heart of Maple Vineyards. The block has been known throughout the 100+ years of its existence as the spice block. Due to the significant number of Carignane vines here, Shortys Block is uniquely different from other wines from Maple Vineyards. Maple Vineyards is 27 acres of extraordinary head-trained, certified sustainable Zinfandel sitting on the high bench-land in the sweet spot of Dry Creek Valley. The old-vines are not irrigated, triggering stress conditions on the vines before harvest creating small grapes with big flavors.
Winemaker Brandon Lapides has been crafting wines at Armida for 10+ years and producing Zinfandel for over 15 years. The grapes are sorted for quality before being transferred by gravity to an open-top tank for a two-week fermentation, followed by gentle transfer to French Oak barrels for sixteen months of aging.
2019 Shorty's Block, Maple Vineyards Zinfandel
$52.00 / 750mL
Club: $39.00 / 750mL
Tasting notes
Medium bodied with bright fruit and firm acidity. Higher amounts of Carignane give this wine more red fruit aromas and flavors such as raspberries and cherries. The Carignane also softens the tannin structure allowing this wine to be more enjoyable at a youthful age. Toasty oak notes compliment the fruit, providing a balanced structure across the palate. Drink now or age for the next 10+ years.Winemaker Brandon Lapides