2022 Russian River Valley "Mancini Ranch" Zinfandel
85% Zinfandel
15% Mixed Black Varieties (Carignan, Abouriou, Valdiguié, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah)
The bulk of the fruit was picked on September 8th while a smaller, later ripening section of mostly mixed blacks (they can often withstand heat better) was picked on September 12th. It felt a bit surreal to be picking Mancini this early, a vineyard normally picked in October. Fully destemmed, the fruit was cold soaked for an average of five days before inoculating with a variety of yeasts to build as much complexity as possible. After an average of 21 days on the skins, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 20% new. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark ruby-garnet. Macerated cherries, ripe blood orange, and a hint of Jolly Ranchers greet the nose. Full bodied but not at all ponderous thanks to brisk acidity that keeps the palate clean and refreshed. Flavors of cherries, raspberries, blueberries, even nectarine, carry through the long and zesty finish. Dang, is this ever lip-smackin’ good! Certainly drinkable now but peak enjoyment should be between 2026 and 2030. (MRO - 01/18/24)