Saldo

2008 Saldo Zinfandel

Through the succes of his Prisoner label, Orin Swift Cellars owner/winemaker Dave Phinney has gained access to some of the best Zinfandel vineyards in the Northern California growing community. Dave recently decided he wanted to make a high quality Zinfandel and what he created did not fit the constraints of a single AVA.

There are grapes from Sonoma, Napa, Amador, Mendocino, and Contra Costa counties. Some of these great vineyards include Monte Rosso, Eagle Point, Rockpile, Bismark, Beatty, Page Nord, Duarte, Solari, Evangehlo, Battuelo's, Tofanelli, Korte, Mable Tiedemann, Frediani, Lewers, Alta Vista, and Bald Mountain just to name a few. Dave is so committed to this concept he is now developing his own Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma specifically for this project as well.

The word "saldo" has many different meanings in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. In Spanish, it mainly refers to "balance on hand", and sometimes it can mean "from here and there." This wine represents the best of the best lots made by Dave from vineyards all across Northern California.

Winemaker Notes

The 2008 Saldo is rich, ripe, and full-bodied, with aromas of black cherry and bramble fruit. The tannins are soft but the wine has a huge mid-palate. The soft, lush finish lingers. 2008 was a perfect vintage for Saldo. The hot weather was ideal for creating ripe zinfandel. Drink now and enjoy over the next five years.

Blend

88% Zinfandel
8% Syrah
4% Petite Syrah

California Appellation

Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Amador, and Contra Costa

Alc/Vol

15.5%

Production

14,000 cases. Produced and bottled by Orin Swift Cellars.

Oak

French and American Oak barrels, 20% new

Purchase Label

Vintages

2007 | 2008