Gold Medal Winner
- 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Being located in the heart of Sonoma County, we are lucky to get the inside scoop on each vintage as it happens. Although the 2009 harvest was frenzied as always, as soon as it ended winemakers started talking about the potential for 2009 to be a classic year. While it may not be quite on the level of the epic 2007 vintage, as the wines have matured the 2009s have proven to be nearly as good, and perhaps even better for early drinking. After what feels like a long wait, 2009 red wines are starting to cross our desk more frequently, and we couldn’t be happier to see them. And what better way to get warmed up to the 2009 vintage than with our old friend Muscardini Cellars, and their Zinfandel sourced from the legendary Monte Rosso Vineyard in the Mayacamas Mountains?
The 2009 Muscardini Monte Rosso Zinfandel is sourced from the red, iron rich soils of the Monte Rosso vineyard high above Sonoma Valley. Medium ruby in color with a purple tinge, the nose is loaded with blue and black berry aromas, along with hints of briar and black olive. The palate is surprisingly elegant for Zinfandel, reflecting the slightly cooler yet sunny vintage, with cherry, blackberry, plum, anise and vanilla flavors. Good acid lengthens the fruit through a long finish. Medium bodied, and with fresh, as opposed to over-ripe, fruit flavors, this is an easy Zin to pair with food, so try something different and pair this classic American wine with a classic American meatloaf, or play it safe and stick to barbecue. Either way, don’t miss out on this one!
Cases Produced: 314
Harvested: September 29, 2009
Bottled: September 2, 2010
pH: 3.56
Alcohol: 15.6
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94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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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.
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