90 Points
Winemaker and JCK Wine Company founder John Kane lives for making dense, decadent and delicious Zinfandel and Rhone blends. Moonset is a blend of Zinfandel with Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet from three distinct vineyards in Sonoma County.
VINEYARDS
Red Rock Ranch in Knights Valley is the backbone of the blend. Sitting at 2300 feet elevation with steep slopes, the Zinfandel shows mountain fruit typicity with bright red fruit character, lively acid and firm tannins.
Tzabaco Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is the source for the Petite Sirah. This valley floor vineyard has full sun exposure ripening the fruit to perfection with brilliant flavors and dark spices.
Viszlay Vineyard in Russian River Valley rounds out the blend with slow ripening, structured, complex Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet from this cool, fog influenced microclimate.
TASTING NOTES
Bursting with aromas of wild cherry, vanilla, blueberry and boysenberry. Lively on the palate with ripe dark fruit, cola, exotic spices and violets with a juicy, plush finish.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Blend: 80% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah, 3% Alicante Bouschet
AVA: Sonoma County
Alcohol: 14.7%
95 Points
Displays a bright ruby hue. The nose reveals red cherries, bright red berries, subtle spring florals, and pie spices. On the palate, cherry cola, black tea, and liquid saline/minerals dominate, backed by vibrant, fresh acidity. It remains clean and elegant, with a young, firm structure and satiny tannin grip that suggests a decade of positive evolution in the cellar. A solid, well-made effort from this world class vineyard.