Gold Medal - 2015 Orange County Wine Competition
Gold Medal, Best Of Class - 2014 Int'l Wine Channel TV Awards
Today we are featuring a wine from our old friend Michael Muscardini, who is making some of the finest wines coming out of Sonoma Valley these days. Founded in 2002, Muscardini Cellars has slowly grown their production and offerings, and we are pleased to offer their first Zinfandel from the Los Chamizal vineyard, a stunning site that sits above the town of Sonoma. The hills are so steep that the vineyards rows have to be terraced, resulting in each vine getting perfect exposure to the sunlight, which is key for ripening zinfandel evenly. The rocky soils force the roots to grow deep, and the resulting wines show a great deal of character.
The 2012 Muscardini Los Chamizal Zinfandel is deep ruby in color, with mixed berry, toasted oak, and ripe plum aromas on the nose. The palate shows more dark berry fruit, with notes of anise and fresh cherry. With good acidity contributing to a long finish, this wine remains impeccably balanced, finishing with ripe fruit and subtle vanilla. For Zinfandel lovers, at 30% OFF this is one to stock up on. Drink now through 2018.
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Los Chamizal Vineyard
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Blend: 100% Zinfandel
Alcohol: 15.2
Legendary Sangiacomo Robert's Road Vineyard
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
