2008 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard has one of those “wow” aromatic profiles. Although not saturated in color (it is dark plum/garnet), it boasts a huge nose of incense, camphor, smoked meats, herbs, forest floor and jammy strawberries as well as cherries. It is a full-bodied, dry, textured, classic, old style, “packed and stacked” Zinfandel that, despite its lofty alcohol (16.6%), is not the least bit hot. This is stunning stuff from one of the great historic sites of California. Drink it over the next 10-15+ years. The venerable Martinelli winery, one of the iconic families and longtime growers in Sonoma, has turned out another impressive group of wines. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Opaque violet. Vibrant, highly aromatic nose displays spicy red berries and potpourri complicated by cola and smoky spice notes. Deeply concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors show a liqueur-like sweetness and are brightened by emphatic notes of candied flowers and black pepper. The spicy note lingers on the lively, smoky, long finish, which repeats the red fruit and floral notes. I really like this wine's vivacity and clarity, especially given its power.
About the producer
Martinelli is a Sonoma benchmark for vineyard-designate bottlings—wines built to highlight how strongly a single site can shape Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Across the range, the focus stays consistent: small-production bottlings that feel distinctly tied to where they’re grown.