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
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar 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.
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