Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa 2021, Russian River Valley, California

Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli planted three acres of Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley in the 1880s.The old vineyard is now known as Jackass Hill and remains the steepest non-terraced hillside vineyard in Sonoma County. Nearly one century later Giuseppe and Luisa’s grandson, Lee Martinelli Sr., followed in their footsteps by planting a Zinfandel vineyard. He grafted budwood from the centurion vines onto low-vigor rootstocks and planted them one meter by two meters apart, equating to about 2,000 vines per acre, on a rocky knoll above the Martinelli Winery Tasting Room in Russian River Valley. Tasting notes: “Immediately upon pouring your nose is engulfed with aromas of dried
cherries, stone fruit, black tea, and fresh picked raspberries. The palate is mouthcoating inan intriguing way from the layers of tannins. Flavors of ripe apricot, black cherry, and sweet cream are found on the palate. A hint of white pepper is present along with white peach in the lingering
finish.” – winery.
Winemaking detail: Fermentation: 100% neutral French Oak; 100% Malolactic; on the lees with daily battonage. Oak: 40% new French Oak, 60% neutral French Oak, 11 months. Winemaker: Robinett Wagoner