2015 Sonoma Valley "Monte Rosso Vineyard" Zinfandel
94% Zinfandel
6% Grand Noir
Ahhh… Monte Rosso! Parting is such sweet sorrow! Yep, unfortunately the owners have other plans for the fruit going forward. 2015 is our last vintage from this iconic grande dame of California vineyards. Picked August 21st, yields here were off nearly 50% of normal. Fully destemmed, the fruit was inoculated with a local strain of yeast after a 5-day cold soak. Pressed to all French oak, 18% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark ruby-garnet. A very complex, multifaceted nose of Christmas spices, plums, and licorice allsorts. Medium-full bodied and surprisingly lithe, red fruits and cinnamon coat the tongue, paving the way for a crescendo of juicy, mouthwatering mountain tannins in the bright and energetic finish. When to drink? I’d give it another year in bottle and then enjoy through 2027. (MRO – 04/03/17)