2019 Russian River Valley "Montafi Ranch" Zinfandel
85% Zinfandel
15% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Syrah, Petit Bouschet)
I so respect and admire all the incredible vineyards with which we work but I must admit, Montafi holds a special place in my heart. Maybe it’s because I’ve been working with this vineyard longer (since 1992!) than any other. Maybe it’s because I still remember how blown away I was when I smelled the first wine I made from this vineyard (it smelled like blueberries, blood orange, and eucalyptus!). Maybe it’s because when the vineyard sold in 2006 to a private real estate investment fund that wanted to rip it out and plant Pinot noir, Kendall and I fought hard (and spent a foolish amount of money) to save it from destruction. Whatever the reason, there has always been something special about this vineyard planted in 1926. Picked October 16th. Twenty days on the skins. 18% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Bright medium ruby-garnet. Red cherry aromas are highlighted by savory notes of bay laurel and eucalyptus. This reminds me a lot of some of our early Montafi Ranch Zinfandels. On the palate, surprisingly elegant and refined with red fruit flavors and a kiss of eucalyptus. Magically delicious! (Don’t worry. It does not taste like cereal with marshmallows.) This can be enjoyed now but should continue to improve with a couple additional years of bottle age. Enjoy 2022 through 2028. (MRO - 01/17/22)