2017 Russian River Valley "Montafi Ranch" Zinfandel
89% Zinfandel
11% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Aubun, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Syrah, Petit Bouschet, Cinsault)
Another Russian River Valley vineyard that took it on the chin, we estimated we were hanging approximately 14 tons prior to the Labor Day Weekend heatwave. But after our meticulous (and ruthless!) sorting in the field, only eight tons made it to the winery. But oh what a glorious eight tons it was! Picked on September 9th and 14th, each lot was on the skins for 23 days. Pressed to all French oak, 25% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby. A totally killer nose of red and black berries, eucalyptus, and a slight suggestion of pepper and lavender. Full-bodied and voluptuous but with nothing out of place. Quite expressive and exotic with flavors of blackberry liqueur, licorice, and spice. This is a great wine no matter what the vintage! Unfortunately, there is a downside. We have approximately half of what we usually do. Enjoy this benchmark old-vine Zin from release through 2027. (MRO - 01/10/19)