92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
90 Points - Wine Spectator
Think barbecue pork ribs, leg of lamb or big, hearty meals. Always a winner.
VARIETAL
Zinfandel is often called “California’s Grape,” and despite the fact that it has been genetically traced to Croatia, it certainly seems to show best all over the Golden State. Today’s offering comes from Foppiano Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, a region certainly more well known for its Zinfandel. Sonoma’s climate is also wonderful for growing Zinfandel. Warm sunny days lead to well ripened Zinfandel grapes that tend to show more of Zin’s jammy side.
WINEMAKING
Punchdown and pumped overs were performed two times per day, for maxium color and texture from the fermentation with just enough tannin. After 18 days in the fermenter, the wine was allowed to go through malolactic fermentation for additional texture development, then barreled down in French and Hungarian Oak for 18 months before final bottling.
ESTATE VINEYARDS
Located just south of Healdsburg, Foppiano Vineyards sits on 160 acres in the acclaimed Russian River Valley. Cool morning fog and warm summer days create an ideal microclimate for grape growing. The Foppiano family has been producing world class fruit on this land since its purchase in 1896. Today, the vineyards are planted to Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc on the warmer bench lands, and Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the cooler land close to the Russian River.
COOPERAGE
18 months in 20% New French and 20% New Hungarian Oak, balance to neutral barrels
Vintage: 2021
Wine Type: Red Wine
Varietal: Zinfandel
Varietal Composition: 89% Zinfandel, 11% Barbara
Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Harvest Date: October 1st , 2021
Aging: 18 months in 20% New French and 20% New Hungarian Oak, balance to neutral barrels
Bottling Date: March 23, 2023
pH: 3.55
TA: 0.61 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.9%
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Dark fruit aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and black cherry steer the aromatics backed by baking spices, anise and lavender. A touch of Syrah to add tannin and depth. On the palate, black cherry and blackberry preserve shine through rounded out by herbs de Provence, dark chocolate and vanilla. A gorgeous expressive wine!
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Polished and elegantly layered Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah offers red plum and black cherry, with hints of cigar box, forest floor, bay, baking spices, light pepper and vanilla on the nose. Expressive black raspberry, sassafras and smoky pepper flavors that linger with salted dark chocolate, red plum, cherry with notes of pepper on the palate.
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