2010 Russian River Valley "Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard" Zinfandel
85% Zinfandel
15% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Syrah, and others)
Ah yes, Wood Road! Surely one of the finest terroirs for old-vine Zinfandel in Sonoma County! I’ve drooled over the half dozen old-vine vineyards (Belloni, Chelli, Arata, Hartford, Rue, and Fanucchi) along this short stretch of road for years, dreaming of making a wine from one of them. But with most of the vineyards under contract with Hartford and Ravenswood, I figured I had the same chance as a snowball in hell. Nevertheless, in 2010 Lady Luck smiled upon me and Peter Fanucchi agreed to sell me a small amount of fruit from his vineyard planted in 1906. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 20% new French oak.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-garnet. Verging on opaque. Classic Russian River Zinfandel aromas of boysenberry, black raspberry, spice, and pepper. The smell alone is a turn on! Quite deep and full-bodied but with excellent acidity. A powerful, concentrated wine that can certainly be enjoyed now but should continue to develop with additional bottle age. Drink 2013 through 2017.. (MRO – 01/17/12)