2003 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

Mike Officer described 2003 as "a wacky growing season" that featured the third wettest April ever, and a delayed and uneven bud break, with a lot of shatter, that promised a low crop from the beginning.The ripeness was late going into the harvest, and then two sharp September heat spikes, featuring afternoon temperatures over 100 degrees, resulted in dehydration and very high sugars.But Officer nonetheless gambled for more flavor.Eventually, the temperatures cooled, and sugars actually dropped.The dry, temperate October saved the vintage, noted Officer, who told me he harvested 75% of his fruit during the second half of that month.The high ratio of zinfandel skins to juices required him to fine most of his 2003s with egg whites.The wines were bottled about two weeks prior to my visit.