2019 Sonoma Valley "Rossi Ranch" Zinfandel
96% Zinfandel
4% Mixed Black Varieties (Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, and Tannat)
The Schumacher Hill portion was picked September 28th while the old vines across the road were picked on October 11th. Yields in this organically farmed vineyard were generous in 2019 at nearly 3 tons per acre. (Note: Tongue firmly planted in cheek. Most modern-day vineyards produce significantly more than 3 tons to the acre.) An average of 21 days on the skins, the final blend was assembled the following spring. Aged in all French oak (only 17% new) and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark ruby. Like our 2019 Saitone, on the darker side for a Zin in this vintage. A heavenly nose of cherry, raspberry, and blood orange (zinberry!) overwhelms the senses. Aromatically, stunning. The wine enters medium-full to full bodied with abundant red fruit flavors that nearly conceal the typical fine-grained youthful tannins of this site. Compared to the 2018, a richer, more fruit-forward Zinfandel but still with exceptional balance. I’ve been making Rossi Ranch Zinfandel since 1993. I cannot recall one that has impressed me more. Enjoy from release through 2030. (MRO - 01/17/22)