MUSCARDINI
2014 Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley
Los Chamizal Vineyard

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Gold Medal - 2017 American Fine Wines Competition

Today we are featuring a wine from our old friend Michael Muscardini, who is making some of the finest wines coming out of Sonoma Valley these days. Founded in 2002, Muscardini Cellars has slowly grown their production and offerings, and we are pleased to offer their first Zinfandel from the Los Chamizal vineyard, a stunning site that sits above the town of Sonoma.  The hills are so steep that the vineyards rows have to be terraced, resulting in each vine getting perfect exposure to the sunlight, which is key for ripening zinfandel evenly. The rocky soils force the roots to grow deep, and the resulting wines show a great deal of character.

The grapes from this vineyard were picked at dawn and rushed to the  winery. After a whole berry crush, and cold soaked for three days. The berries went through twenty days of fermentation. 90% Zinfandel and 10% Petite Sirah.

The 2014 Muscardini Los Chamizal Zinfandeloffers lofty aromas of ripe berries, lavender, smoked meats, tobacco and cedar. In the glass, this full-bodied wine opens up with notes of fresh picked blackberries, boysenberry, juicy nectarine, cocoa, licorice and black pepper. From there, the lively flavors are further accented by a hint of forest, chewy tannins, bright acidity, and a long spicy finish. Enjoy now or age in cellar for 5-7 years to develop even more style.

Pair with barbecue, lamb, and other hearty meals.

Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Los Chamizal Vineyard
Blend: 90% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah
Harvested: October 9, 2014
Bottled: February 4, 2016
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Alcohol: 15.2
Cases Produced: 578

Tasting Notes  PDF

About The Winery...

Muscardini Cellars graces Sonoma Valley’s (Valley of the Moon) Monte Terra with its estate grape vines, family home and barrel room. You are welcome to visit us in their Kenwood tasting room. 

History of Muscardini Cellars
1892, when Michael Muscardini's grandfather, Emilio Alchera, was born in the village of Calliano, just outside of the city of Asti in the Piemonte region. Emilio came to America in 1909 via Ellis Island in New York.  After heading to the West Coast by train to meet his two brothers, Antonio and Louis, he settled in San Francisco.  Emilio began his living in California by helping to dig the Caldecott Tunnel, which connects the East Bay to Contra Costa County. After saving his money, he began to buy and run corner grocery stores where he sold fine bulk wines, and in his spare time made a red table wine for the family.  His business would eventually become the "St. Helena Napa Valley Wine Company."

Learn more at www.muscardinicellars.com.

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