Hendry Blocks 7 and 22 are located on bench lands west of the town of Napa.  This nine-acre block is between 230 and 300 feet above sea level and has thin, stony Boomer series soils.    The maritime climate is moderated by morning fog and strong afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay.   Block 7 was planted in 1975 to Clone 2 Zinfandel. Block 22 was planted in 1995, also to clone 2.  The vines are spaced 8’ x 10’, cordon trained and spur pruned.  A three-wire trellis system supports the cordon and the canopy.  Average production is 3 tons per acre and the average harvest dates are between September 22 and September 25.

In 2006, the median bud break occurred March 30.  Median bloom was May 31 and median veraison was July 27.  Harvest was October 12 with a yield of 3.10 tons per acre.  The alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately ten days in closed stainless steel fermentation tanks.   The wine was then pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation.  Aging was fifteen months in 100% French oak barrels, approximately one third of which were new.

Long-time fans of Block 7 will recognize the familiar clone 2 chocolate-covered cherry and berry nose on this wine.  The bright mouthwatering fruit aromas are accented by chocolate, spice and floral notes.  On the palate, the wine has body, bright acidity and a comfortable amount of structure, with the fine-grained and subtle tannins that are characteristic of Block 7. 

Alcohol is 15.0%
2000 cases produced