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
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
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