2011 Sonoma Valley "Monte Rosso Vineyard" Zinfandel
91% Zinfandel
9% Grand Noir
The 125-year-old vines of Monte Rosso excelled in 2011. Yields were modest. The growing season was moderate. There were no particular heat spikes. Disease pressure was at a minimum. Everything that’s needed to allow Zinfandel to ripen to perfection was provided. In fact, in making this wine, like many of our other lots from this vintage, there was nothing to do other than step back and let Mother Nature do her thang. Twenty-seven percent new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark ruby-garnet. Crushed cherries, orange zest (a common characteristic in this vintage), and chocolate greet the nose. Normally, Monte Rosso creates Zinfandels that can be quite brooding and rustic, wines that demand time, but in this vintage we see the more feminine side of the vineyard. Medium-full to full bodied, a smooth, mouth-filling entry leads to flavors of red berries, spice, and bittersweet chocolate. Incredibly well balanced with a long, lingering finish. Drink from release through 2018. (MRO – 01/17/13)