2012 Harvest Moon Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Spicy red fruit aromas burst out of the glass. More floral cherry, tart strawberry and holiday spices land happily on the palate. Although the wine is opaque in color, the aromas and flavors are bold and unapologetic. There’s just the right amount of caramelization from the oak to round out the finish leaving the mouth watering and begging for another sip.
Pair with brisket or pulled pork
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
The 2012 growing season brought to wine country some of the most optimum summer weather patterns in decades. A solid spring fruit set ensured the largest harvest in Sonoma County’s history. The great spring conditions transitioned into near perfect summer weather with above average temperature during the day and below average at night meant there was a large temperature variance every 12 hours of approximately 45 degrees. This temperature flux allowed for the days to ripen the sugars but the cold nights retained the natural freshness and acidity.
Specs
Style: New World
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Varietal: Zinfandel
Alcohol: 14.3%
Drinkable: 2016 forward
Harvest Date: 2012-09-19
Harvest Brix: 23.4°
Residual Sugar: dry
Barrel Regime: 20 months in mostly old, mature barrels. Racked the group of barrels 4 times.
2013 Harvest Moon Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Faint black pepper and dark blackberry aromas begin the journey. More black fruit, pepper and spice hit the palate with a juicy burst. There is a unique floral herb lingering on the long drawn out finish. The mere 10% new oak wears well without interfering with the gorgeous fruit core. Drink now until 2022.
Pair with brisket or pulled pork
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
In 2013, the Russian River Valley experienced near perfect weather conditions. Above average temperatures during the day and slightly above average temperatures at night offer a fuller bodied, riper approach than a normal Harvest Moon Zinfandel. The fruit for this blend of Estate Zinfandel is grown at three tiny vineyards all located within 4 miles of the winery. These vineyards range from a baby 8 year old vineyard to an established 25 year old vineyard to an old vine block planted over 8 decades ago. Each component adds its own personality to the overall blend. Lighter brighter fruit form the young vines, spice and the “punch” from the mature Pitts Home Ranch vineyard and the body and dark fruit from the deep-rooted, dry farmed old vine.
Carefully harvested from mid-September to the first of October, these lots were fermented in 3/4 ton open top t-bins. With an average fermentation lasting 12 days, the grapes had enough skin contact to release color and structure yet, yet allowed the elegance of Russian River Valley Zinfandel to shine. As evidence of the lighter hue, our fermentation management was one of a gentle yet consistent approach. Punchdowns occured every 8 hours beginning at 6am, then again at 2pm and finally again at 10pm. Keeping the cap wet is essential in preventing a film to build on the surface, detrimental to future aromas and fresh flavors.
This wine was blended in December of 2014 and bottled in May 2015 with very light filtration.
Specs
Style: New World
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Varietal: Zinfandel
Alcohol: 14.20%
Bottled: 2015-05-13
Drinkable: now till 2022
Harvest Date: 2016-09-19
Harvest Brix: 23.2°
Residual Sugar: .06g/L
2014 Harvest Moon Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Electrically charged red hue, this 3 vineyard blend greets one with floral, red fruit- cherry, tarry raspberry. As of September, 2017, the caramelly oak has yet to fully integrate. Spicy, intense red fruit bursts into the palate. The tannins are gripping but with time, I expect it to be juicy and long-finishing. Be patient and or decant!
Pairing Salad, smoked meats, creamy pastas. Your back porch.
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
This compilation of local Zinfandel vineyards represent a neighborhood blend of young vine, mature, established block and 95 year old zin. Aged in 15% new French oak for 20 months, with periodic racking out of barrel into tank for air and clarification. We are proud to offer our 12th vintage of this elegant, cool-climate blend to those seeking balanced, delicate zin.
Harvest Moon Estate & Winery was founded on growing, producing and bottling world-class Russian River Valley wine in a balanced, elegant style. Our premise is that Russian River Valley Zinfandel can be just as layered and complex as any Pinot Noir or Bordeaux variety in the world and receive the same respect. The Pitts family has grown quality grapes in the Russian River Valley since 1976. In 2000, son Randy reverse migrated from San Francisco back to Sonoma County to assume the farming responsibilities at the family’s modest nine-acre ranch. In conjunction with lessons on farming by his Dad and a few viticulture/enology courses at the local junior college, Randy made a barrel of homemade Zinfandel off the ranch’s back block which turned out exceptionally tasty. Quickly concluding that properly farmed and judiciously fermented, Zinfandel has great capabilities of being California’s own wine nobility. The growers-turned winemakers birthed their inaugural vintage in 2002 and look forward to making their Zinprint on the winescene for decades to come.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI
Harvest Moon Russian River Valley Zinfandel
3 bottles for $48.99 $16.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $142.99 $11.92/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Harvest Moon RRV Zinfandel vertical - $53 = 27.03%
What’s up Casematers, Winemaker Randy here. We’re offering a vertice of my neighborhood blend of RRV Zin. This vert is no slouch, in fact it’s quite tasty. All three wines are comprised of the same three zin blocks farmed by my three guys and I. Grown, produced and bottled within a few miles of where I get up. Let’s chat!
Hmmmm, not much activity here. For any Zin fans out there: knowledgeable people consider this very good Zin, and this price is very good, and there’s some good age on these bottles. Good time to find a Zin buddy and split a case.
@PatrickKarcher yours and @klezman comments convinced me… I love a good ZIn and have a decent sized stash of Wellington and Scott Harvey but fun to try something new…
/giphy nimble-fictional-guide
@PatrickKarcher agreed, I think the lack of chattiness is because it feels like a re-offer even though it’s not.
I love harvest moon zins and am not buying due to being at capacity.
@CorTot@PatrickKarcher@lindylouwho Pretty much - Randy makes excellent Zin, and in a style with much more restraint than the Turleys of the world. There’s a place for both, and I can tell you that we (a) served the 2009 of this bottling at our wedding and several years later it’s still drinking well, and (b) we had a bottle of the 2005 Estate bottling last fall and it was gorgeous. Randy makes them to drink young, old, and everywhere in between.
The Harvest Moon Pinot Noir is one of my top bargain values for the money! If I was into Zin I would pick up two cases easily. I love what they’re doing! This one’s sure to punch above it’s weight.
@ddeuddeg@losthighwayz I don’t believe we’ve ever met but I am in SR. I don’t buy too much here but if you are in the area, you can give me a shout and I might take some bottles now and then.
@dmers: @losthighwayz was talking to @ddeuddeg in that post. I can see where it would be confusing, since it looked like it was addressing you as well.
@ddeuddeg@dmers@InFrom@losthighwayz
Agree, although the current woot model doesn’t seem much better, at least in the very limited number of times I have tried to read and post messages on the new format.
I don’t post very much, but this Zin is post worthy. I reluctantly skipped the latest Bedrock wine club offering (too $$$), and boom, making it up here. Quite the equal imho, more approachable, and 1/4 the price. Winner! (In for a case).
2012 Harvest Moon Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Spicy red fruit aromas burst out of the glass. More floral cherry, tart strawberry and holiday spices land happily on the palate. Although the wine is opaque in color, the aromas and flavors are bold and unapologetic. There’s just the right amount of caramelization from the oak to round out the finish leaving the mouth watering and begging for another sip.
Pair with brisket or pulled pork
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
The 2012 growing season brought to wine country some of the most optimum summer weather patterns in decades. A solid spring fruit set ensured the largest harvest in Sonoma County’s history. The great spring conditions transitioned into near perfect summer weather with above average temperature during the day and below average at night meant there was a large temperature variance every 12 hours of approximately 45 degrees. This temperature flux allowed for the days to ripen the sugars but the cold nights retained the natural freshness and acidity.
Specs
2013 Harvest Moon Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Faint black pepper and dark blackberry aromas begin the journey. More black fruit, pepper and spice hit the palate with a juicy burst. There is a unique floral herb lingering on the long drawn out finish. The mere 10% new oak wears well without interfering with the gorgeous fruit core. Drink now until 2022.
Pair with brisket or pulled pork
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
In 2013, the Russian River Valley experienced near perfect weather conditions. Above average temperatures during the day and slightly above average temperatures at night offer a fuller bodied, riper approach than a normal Harvest Moon Zinfandel. The fruit for this blend of Estate Zinfandel is grown at three tiny vineyards all located within 4 miles of the winery. These vineyards range from a baby 8 year old vineyard to an established 25 year old vineyard to an old vine block planted over 8 decades ago. Each component adds its own personality to the overall blend. Lighter brighter fruit form the young vines, spice and the “punch” from the mature Pitts Home Ranch vineyard and the body and dark fruit from the deep-rooted, dry farmed old vine.
Carefully harvested from mid-September to the first of October, these lots were fermented in 3/4 ton open top t-bins. With an average fermentation lasting 12 days, the grapes had enough skin contact to release color and structure yet, yet allowed the elegance of Russian River Valley Zinfandel to shine. As evidence of the lighter hue, our fermentation management was one of a gentle yet consistent approach. Punchdowns occured every 8 hours beginning at 6am, then again at 2pm and finally again at 10pm. Keeping the cap wet is essential in preventing a film to build on the surface, detrimental to future aromas and fresh flavors.
This wine was blended in December of 2014 and bottled in May 2015 with very light filtration.
Specs
2014 Harvest Moon Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Electrically charged red hue, this 3 vineyard blend greets one with floral, red fruit- cherry, tarry raspberry. As of September, 2017, the caramelly oak has yet to fully integrate. Spicy, intense red fruit bursts into the palate. The tannins are gripping but with time, I expect it to be juicy and long-finishing. Be patient and or decant!
Pairing Salad, smoked meats, creamy pastas. Your back porch.
Vintage and Winemaker Notes
This compilation of local Zinfandel vineyards represent a neighborhood blend of young vine, mature, established block and 95 year old zin. Aged in 15% new French oak for 20 months, with periodic racking out of barrel into tank for air and clarification. We are proud to offer our 12th vintage of this elegant, cool-climate blend to those seeking balanced, delicate zin.
Specs
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
$531.96/case (including shipping) at Harvest Moon Estate & Winery
About The Winery
Harvest Moon Estate & Winery was founded on growing, producing and bottling world-class Russian River Valley wine in a balanced, elegant style. Our premise is that Russian River Valley Zinfandel can be just as layered and complex as any Pinot Noir or Bordeaux variety in the world and receive the same respect. The Pitts family has grown quality grapes in the Russian River Valley since 1976. In 2000, son Randy reverse migrated from San Francisco back to Sonoma County to assume the farming responsibilities at the family’s modest nine-acre ranch. In conjunction with lessons on farming by his Dad and a few viticulture/enology courses at the local junior college, Randy made a barrel of homemade Zinfandel off the ranch’s back block which turned out exceptionally tasty. Quickly concluding that properly farmed and judiciously fermented, Zinfandel has great capabilities of being California’s own wine nobility. The growers-turned winemakers birthed their inaugural vintage in 2002 and look forward to making their Zinprint on the winescene for decades to come.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI
Estimated Delivery
Monday, March 18th - Thursday, March 21st
Harvest Moon Russian River Valley Zinfandel
3 bottles for $48.99 $16.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $142.99 $11.92/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2012
2013
2014
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Harvest Moon RRV Zinfandel vertical - $53 = 27.03%
The 2013 certainly has an interesting history:
“Bottled: 2015-05-13
…
Harvest Date: 2016-09-19”
@DickL so it was harvested Sept 2013, bottles in early ‘15. Typo error. Juice inside is no error. Cheers
@DickL @Harvest_Moon “Juice inside is no error.” lmao
If this was all 2014 then is be in. But I’ve got plenty of the 12 and 13 already (and no space). Anybody want those and I’ll take the 2014s?
For anybody else on the fence, Randy makes phenomenal Zin. My cellar mostly has Scott Harvey, Wellington, Turley, Ridge, and Harvest Moon for Zin.
@klezman “My cellar mostly has Scott Harvey, Wellington, Turley, Ridge, and Harvest Moon for Zin.” Well then…
/giphy eclectic-flying-salami
@KCountry @klezman
Never had Harvest Moon, but that’s an impressive group of friends you have it cellared with…
/giphy frightened-gurgling-journey
@bent80 @KCountry Happy to help!
What’s up Casematers, Winemaker Randy here. We’re offering a vertice of my neighborhood blend of RRV Zin. This vert is no slouch, in fact it’s quite tasty. All three wines are comprised of the same three zin blocks farmed by my three guys and I. Grown, produced and bottled within a few miles of where I get up. Let’s chat!
No Missouri this time…is that a typo? I ordered Harvest Moon from Casemates in the past for shipping to MO.
@TimW give us a call at the winery for shipping to MO. We can help! 707-573-8711
I’m in need of some Zin, only one left, 2013 Wellington estate. In for a case… If SH shows up in the next few weeks, my liver is done for.
If someone in San Diego wants to split a case, i’ll take a 3-pack. No room for the full boat this time.
@radiolysis @technoviking I could help, but like Klez, only really interested in the '14 as I have good stock on the earlier vintages.
@radiolysis I’ll hold onto 3 for ya. I should be down there in June.
@TechnoViking thank you!
Hmmmm, not much activity here. For any Zin fans out there: knowledgeable people consider this very good Zin, and this price is very good, and there’s some good age on these bottles. Good time to find a Zin buddy and split a case.
@PatrickKarcher yours and @klezman comments convinced me… I love a good ZIn and have a decent sized stash of Wellington and Scott Harvey but fun to try something new…
/giphy nimble-fictional-guide
@PatrickKarcher agreed, I think the lack of chattiness is because it feels like a re-offer even though it’s not.
I love harvest moon zins and am not buying due to being at capacity.
@CorTot @PatrickKarcher @lindylouwho Pretty much - Randy makes excellent Zin, and in a style with much more restraint than the Turleys of the world. There’s a place for both, and I can tell you that we (a) served the 2009 of this bottling at our wedding and several years later it’s still drinking well, and (b) we had a bottle of the 2005 Estate bottling last fall and it was gorgeous. Randy makes them to drink young, old, and everywhere in between.
/giphy sedate-bossy-ham
/giphy blythe-auspicious-stem
What, do I need to post a nude selfie to get this party started?!?
@Harvest_Moon Visions of Gus!
@Harvest_Moon lol, please restrain yourself!
@Harvest_Moon Now I understand the winery name. A butt naked moon in the vineyard.
No love for Montana?
@bizaff call the winery at 707 573-8711. We can get it to you. Cheers
The Harvest Moon Pinot Noir is one of my top bargain values for the money! If I was into Zin I would pick up two cases easily. I love what they’re doing! This one’s sure to punch above it’s weight.
@winesnob give it a try, my sins have been described as pinotesque
@Harvest_Moon @winesnob that’s a wonderful typo…
@Harvest_Moon ROFL LMAO good one! I love it!
I’ve bought more wine in the last month than I have in probably 5 years, but oh well, in for more.
I’d be willing to split this up with someone in NYC.
@kr4 too bad, we just moved to NC. We bought this few months ago and we love it.
@olafolafson We’ve enjoyed it, too. Just need some help!
/giphy terrific-puffy-lamp
Had to close the tab in Chrome. this was the rational only way my brain said I could do it. In for a case; spicy Zin is my everyday fave.
@Winedavid49 totally enjoying the site upgrades,at the bottom of the page.
@ttboy23 @winedavid49 @dave
Not sure if I ever went that far, but yes, a nice touch.
Especially the
"Back to top"
that was long overdue.
@rjquillin Just yesterday I was thinking that we need one of those here…
@ttboy23 i’ll pass along. thanks!
/giphy ulterior-spurious-floor
For the future - is there a Santa Rosa/Sonoma group for splitting? I took a cursory look but didn’t find a forum group/string.
@dmers A post like this one might be all it takes to get one started. Good luck.
@ddeuddeg @dmers how are you guys? Will you be coming out anytime soon? Would be nice to see you guys again
@ddeuddeg @losthighwayz I don’t believe we’ve ever met but I am in SR. I don’t buy too much here but if you are in the area, you can give me a shout and I might take some bottles now and then.
@dmers: @losthighwayz was talking to @ddeuddeg in that post. I can see where it would be confusing, since it looked like it was addressing you as well.
@dmers @InFrom @losthighwayz Just another one of those features that makes me want the woot model back.
@ddeuddeg @dmers @InFrom @losthighwayz
Agree, although the current woot model doesn’t seem much better, at least in the very limited number of times I have tried to read and post messages on the new format.
Randy makes lean and feminine zins imo. This is a great thing, mind you. Great food wines. I split with two separate coworker orders. Great value
@losthighwayz coworker sighting!!!
@Winedavid49 both are hooked. I split a case with one and took 4 bottles off another one. 10 for me and 6 and 8 for them, respectively
I don’t post very much, but this Zin is post worthy. I reluctantly skipped the latest Bedrock wine club offering (too $$$), and boom, making it up here. Quite the equal imho, more approachable, and 1/4 the price. Winner! (In for a case).
@kainc thanks! Bedrock won’t return my call.
@kainc @Winedavid49 I bet Ridge won’t return your call either…
@kainc @klezman @Winedavid49
That sounds like a challenge! Allow me to add… I bet Cakebread won’t return your call either!
/giphy harmless-moping-chair
I’ll take one. Spicy zin isn’t always my thing, but a vertical sounds fun.
/giphy designed-unsightly-sheet
I didn’t split - I doubled! Woo hoo!!