2014 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Hill Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The rare 2014 Zinfandel Jackass Hill Vineyard (63 cases) is, I believe, California’s most expensive Zinfandel, first produced in 1993. The vines are head-pruned and the slopes stupidly steep (hence the name Jackass, attributed to one of the older Martinellis who planted this vineyard over 100 years ago). The wine is firmer, has more tannin, and displays notes of forest floor, underbrush, blackberry, black raspberry and a touch of barbecued meats in a deep, full-throttle, balls-to-the-walls style. Drink it over the next 20 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The one and only 2014 Zinfandel Jackass Hill emerges from a parcel Giuseppe Martinelli planted over 100 years ago on St. George rootstock. The vines lie on a 60% slope, which is simply unthinkable today. Succulent and deeply expressive, the Jackass Hill is laced with sweet red cherry, wild flowers, pomegranate, tobacco, licorice and mint. The 2014 is remarkably silky for such an intense wine. Readers who appreciate old-vine Zinfandel will find plenty to like.
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.