The Russian River Valley is most commonly associated with Pinot Noir, but this AVA’s fog and cool nights can also have a beneficial effect on Zinfandel, by fighting its tendency to become overly jammy and raisined in hotter climates. The cooler weather results in lower alcohol wines that are rich and fruity, but still balanced.
The 2006 Starry Night Montafi Zinfandel comes from a single vineyard planted nearly 100 years ago. It is vibrant ruby in color, with lively aromas of berry, blackcurrant, vanilla, cedar, potpourri, and espresso bean. The palate is loaded with juicy cherry, raspberry and plum, with hints of coconut and coffee, and enough tannin to provide a little bit of structure. Fresh, vibrant, and remarkably lively, this is perfect for Thanksgiving, or any meal that calls for a bold red that is still food friendly. The flavors are powerful enough to stand up to gravy, yet soft enough for turkey, and a spicy note cries out for stuffing.
COMPOSITION
100% Montafi Vineyard Zinfandel
COOPERAGE
40% new American oak barrels, 29% new French barrels
31% select one to three year old American and French oak barrels
TECHNICAL DATA
Harvest Date: October 26, 2006
Sugar at Harvest: Montafi - 26.1º brix,
PH: 3.59
TA: .67g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 220 cases
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.
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.
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.
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.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
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.
