2014 Sonoma Valley "Monte Rosso Vineyard" Zinfandel
91% Zinfandel
9% Grand Noir
At a 1000' elevation, Monte Rosso often sees more sun than the vineyards located on the valley floors. As a result, this is typically one of our first picks every year. Two thousand fourteen was no exception. Picked on August 29th at 24.3 Brix, once again we included 9% interplanted Grand Noir for spice and color. Pressed on September 12th, it was barreled down to all French oak, 17% new. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark ruby-garnet. A very red fruit oriented nose of currants, pomegranate, cherry, and red licorice whips. Yum! A note of leafy underbrush as well. On the palate, full bodied but with plenty of acidity and tannin to complement the red fruits and spice. Displays its mountain heritage proudly. Optimum drinking for this well-structured and age-worthy Zinfandel should be between 2018 and 2026. (MRO – 01/19/16)