2021 Russian River Valley "Montafi Ranch" Zinfandel
85% Zinfandel
15% Mixed Black Varieties (Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Trousseau noir, Syrah, Petit Bouschet)
Planted in 1926, Montafi Ranch was one of our last Zinfandel picks of the year, coming in on October 6th. As typical, the fruit was fully destemmed and cold soaked for five days before fermentation. Pumpovers were frequent in the early going as we like doing as much extraction as possible while the must is aqueous-based. Ethanol-based extraction can result in a harsher wine. After a lengthy 26 days in tank, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 22% new. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark ruby. Holy heavenly scents Batman! Bay laurel, eucalyptus, cherries, clove, orange rind, black licorice, even blueberry. Smelling this wine immediately transports me to my childhood, playing amongst the old eucalyptus trees on our citrus ranch. On the palate? In a word, gorgeous, with the most incredible silken texture from start to finish. Is this the best Montafi we’ve ever produced? For my palate, hells yeah! Enjoy this inimitable wine from release through 2032. (MRO - 01/17/23)