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
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
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