2020 Russian River Valley "Mancini Ranch" Zinfandel
85% Zinfandel
15% Mixed Black Varieties (Carignan, Abouriou, Valdiguié, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah)
Like many other vineyards in the Piner-Olivet area, yields at Mancini Ranch in 2020 were tiny, coming in at just under 1.5 tons to the acre. Picked September 21st, the fully destemmed fruit was cold-soaked for 5 days to extract as much goodness as possible while still an aqueous-based solution. Inoculated with CVRP, one of if not the highest polysaccharide producing yeasts available (polysaccharides enhance mouthfeel), the wine spent 17 days on the skins before being pressed to all older, neutral French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium to medium-dark ruby-garnet. True to this site, a gorgeous nose of ripe peach and raspberry. Summer in a glass! The wine enters smoothly with a glycerin-like feeling. Flavors of raspberry, yellow stone fruits, and briar dance across the palate. Acidity and structure in the finish portends of more great things to come. Damn this is delicious! Best from 2024 through 2030. (MRO - 07/18/22)