94 points, Wine Spectator
94 points, Wine Spectator
Aromas of briary black raspberry, lavender and graham cracker crust give way to bright acidity on the palate. Cortina Zinfandel opens with a vibrant entry of blue, black, and red fruit characters and a subtle hint of cocoa powder that carries through to the wine’s midpalate and finishes with a touch of spice for an elegant velvety mouthfeel.
The richness of the wine and the combination of berry and spice notes would meld perfectly with the lamb’s rich and earthy flavor.
The core of this wine comes from Chen’s Vineyard, planted in 1972 by fourth-generation Ted Seghesio and his father Ed. The site resides along the creek where the sandy soils produce rarefied Zinfandel. With mornings shrouded in fog and prevailing afternoon breezes from the marine influence, Cortina grapes benefit from longer hang times in normal seasons.