Despite welcome late-spring rains, the growing season got off to an early start in 2009. Significant heat throughout July ripened the grapes for harvest in early September. The vineyard parcels were picked separately, fermented on their two different yeasts, and were pressed at dryness. In tastings following malolactic, we chose this lot to exemplify the vintage. The ratio of new oak was reduced slightly, to allow full expression of the wine's fruit and inherent elegance. Enjoyable upon release, this opulent though structured SV Saini Zinfandel will evolve over the next ten years.