2012 Sonoma County Zinfandel
28% Sonoma Valley Zinfandel, Rossi Ranch
28% Sonoma County Zinfandel (74%), Petite Sirah (16%), Syrah (8%), and Other (2%), Rowe Vineyard
19% Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Banfield Ranch
10% Russian River Valley Zinfandel (89%) and Mixed Blacks (11%), Montafi Ranch
8% Sonoma Valley Petite Sirah, Rossi Ranch
5% Russian River Valley Zinfandel (95%) and Mixed Blacks (5%), Sodini Vineyard
2% Russian River Valley Mixed Blacks (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petit Bouschet), Saitone Ranch
We didn’t think it possible to top our 2011 Sonoma County Zinfandel for value and quality but top it we did! How? First we blended Zinfandel from Rossi Ranch (planted 1910), Banfield Ranch (formerly known as Martinelli Road Vineyard, planted 1881), and Rowe Vineyard (planted 1906, just outside the northern boundary of Sonoma Valley). To add color and mid-palate volume, we added some young-vine Petite Sirah from Rossi Ranch and some old-vine Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, and Petit Bouschet from the Saitone Ranch (planted 1895). At this point, most wineries would have been thrilled with the result but we wanted more. Hence, we sacrificed four barrels of Montafi Ranch Zinfandel and two barrels of Sodini Vineyard Zinfandel to add texture and length to the wine. Mission accomplished! A spectacular unfined/unfiltered old-vine Zinfandel at a bargain of a price.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark purple-ruby. Aromas of raspberry, cherry, orange rind, and spice. Full-bodied with flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, and a touch of loamy earth. Very harmonious on the palate with a caressing mouthfeel and subtle tannins on the finish. Mind blowing quality for price. Most wineries would charge double to triple what we are for a wine like this. Drink from release through 2021. (MRO – 01/18/14)