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%
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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