In 1999, Estancia planted nearly 700 acres of estate vineyards along the Estrella River benchland in Paso Robles. This emerging region is ideal for producing Zinfandel grapes with complex and delicious fruit flavors displaying notes of intense raspberry and dark cherry. Growing conditions in Paso Robles are extreme—temperature swings are greater here than in any other California appellation. The rugged landscape, unique microclimate and infertile soils of our Keyes Canyon Estate Vineyard produce red varietals with low yields, small clusters, tiny berries and high skin-to-juice ratios for concentrated wines with strong varietal character. Extremely hot temperatures leading up to the 2008 harvest resulted in lower yields of intensely concentrated fruit. The 2008 Estancia Zinfandel is a bold, juicy wine that tastes of freshly crushed berries with a hint of cinnamon and lasts long on the palate.