2010 Sonoma Valley "Monte Rosso Vineyard" Zinfandel
96% Zinfandel
4% Grand Noir
At 1000’ elevation in the Mayacamas Mountains, Monte Rosso saw more sun throughout the growing season than many valley floor vineyards. Hence, when the temperature climbed to over 110? F on August 24th, the fruit was better acclimatized and experienced much less burn and shrivel than other vineyards. Twenty percent new French oak. Bottled unfiltered but given a light egg white fining to polish the mountain tannins. A fabulous Zinfandel and a resounding success for any vintage!
Tasting Note:
Very dark ruby-garnet with a bright crimson edge. Verging on opaque. Deep, brooding aromas of blackberry, bittersweet chocolate, cola, and earth. Full bodied with flavors of black and blue berries. For a Zinfandel, offers impressive cut and definition. In fact, almost Cabernet-like in its structure. Notes of bittersweet chocolate reemerge in the lengthy finish. Better than the 2009? Too close to call. Certainly more age-worthy. Drink 2013 to 2022. (MRO – 07/18/12)