2012 | Martinelli | Zinfandel Jackass Hill

Bright ruby-red. Highly perfumed aromas of black and blue fruits, apricot, potpourri and woodsmoke, with a sexy Asian spice nuance adding complexity. Juicy, penetrating blueberry and mulberry flavors show outstanding depth, with a spine of zesty minerality providing lift. Offers a compelling blend of richness, weight and vivacity and finishes with superb clarity, power and spicy persistence. I suspect that this hugely concentrated wine will age along a slow, steady, very long curve.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: From ancient vines aged between 115 and 120 years, Martinelli produced a 2012 Zinfandel Jackass Hill Vineyard that also achieved 17.1% natural alcohol. One of the most profound Zinfandels made in California, it boasts notes of figs, prunes, spice box, smoked meats, barbecue spices, blackcurrants and black cherries. This full-bodied, unctuously textured Zinfandel is totally dry, but the high alcohol gives it an impression of sweetness because of the elevated glycerin levels. This comes from a hillside slope that can hit 65 degrees, hence the local farmers referred to one of the Martinelli pioneers as a “jackass.” It is remarkable that anyone would ever plant a vineyard on such an incline.

• Vinous: Bright ruby-red. Highly perfumed aromas of black and blue fruits, apricot, potpourri and woodsmoke, with a sexy Asian spice nuance adding complexity. Juicy, penetrating blueberry and mulberry flavors show outstanding depth, with a spine of zesty minerality providing lift. Offers a compelling blend of richness, weight and vivacity and finishes with superb clarity, power and spicy persistence. I suspect that this hugely concentrated wine will age along a slow, steady, very long curve.

Producer Information

Martinelli Winery is a California producer with a number of vineyards throughout Sonoma County. It is known both for making its own estate wines, and as being a prominent supplier of grapes to other wineries. Martinelli's flagship variety is Zinfandel, but Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Muscat of Alexandria are also important in both its own wines and in its role as a grape grower and supplier.The winery and most of its vineyards are located in the Russian River Valley AVA. The Martinelli family has been growing grapes and farming in the valley since the 1880s, as well as growing other crops such as apples and hops.The farm was founded by Giuseppe Martinelli and Luisa Vellutini who emigrated to California from Tuscany. Looking for a place to start a winery, the couple started by planting Zinfandel and Muscat vines without trellising on a steep hill.

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