94 points, Wine Spectator
This wine grabs your attention with bold, dark brambly fruit on the nose, spiced up with lively aromas straight from a spice box. The entry is rich and silky, with flavors evolving into a mouthful of earthy black raspberry and currant, lifted by cardamom and whiffs of violet. The structure evolves from soft and silky to a more defined mid-palate, closing with a finish that lingers long after the last sip.
Pair this vibrant wine with braised short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, topped with a dash of freshly grated horseradish for a perfect kick.
Planted in 1926, Montafi Ranch Vineyard is a rare gem in the Russian River Valley where most of the old vine Zinfandel vineyards have been uprooted and replanted with other varieties. We are now the guardians of these ancient Zinfandel Vines, planted in a traditional field blend with Alicante Bouschet and other traditional mixed black varieties. This vineyard’s cooler climate and mixed planting enables us to produce a Zinfandel that highlights yet another facet of the variety’s diverse expressions; intensely aromatic with a savory fruit profile, bright acidity and ripe tannins.
The wine opens with bold, dark brambly fruit and lively spice box aromas. On the palate, the entry is rich and silky, evolving into earthy black raspberry and currant lifted by cardamom and violet. The structure moves from soft and silky to a more defined mid-palate, closing with a long, lingering finish.
The grapes come from Montafi Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, planted in 1926. It is one of the rare surviving old vine Zinfandel sites in the valley, planted as a traditional field blend with Alicante Bouschet and other mixed black varieties.
Montafi Ranch is a rare gem in the Russian River Valley where most old vine Zinfandel has been uprooted and replanted with other varieties. The vineyard’s cooler climate and mixed planting produce a Zinfandel that is intensely aromatic with a savory fruit profile, bright acidity, and ripe tannins
It pairs wonderfully with braised short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, topped with freshly grated horseradish for an extra kick.
The 2022 vintage has an alcohol content of 15.5%.
The retail price is $75.00 per 750ml bottle, and wine club members receive a 20% discount, bringing their price to $60.00.
The 2022 vintage earned 94 points from Wine Spectator.
