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%
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
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.
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.
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.
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