2022 Russian River Valley "Montafi Ranch" Zinfandel
87% Zinfandel
13% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Syrah, Petit Bouschet)
Due to late pruning and hence late bud break, the nearly 100-year-old vines of Montafi Ranch were picked on September 14th. Yields barely eclipsed the 1-ton-per-acre mark. Fully destemmed, cold soaked for five days, and given a mix of pumpovers, tub and screens, and punchdowns for extraction. After 22 days, the wine was gently pressed and settled overnight before barreling down to all French oak, 20% new. The wine remained on its lees until bottling. Unfined and unfiltered. Sadly, our final Montafi.
Tasting Note:
Medium to medium-dark brilliant ruby-garnet. Holy smokes! What a nose! Intense, red berry fruit is mixed with notes of eucalyptus, allsorts, and baking spices. Simply breathtaking. On the palate, the most incredible, silken mouth-coating texture with flavors of black raspberry, blueberry, licorice, and sweet tobacco. One of the most sensual and seductive Zinfandels I’ve ever had the pleasure to drink. Savor from release through 2029. (MRO - 07/18/24)