2021 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Hill Vineyard

The 2021 Zinfandel Jackass Hill takes on a more mineral tone in its notes of crushed gravel, red plum, wild red berries, and baking spices. Full-bodied, with sweet tannins and great concentration, it offers ripe red fruit, peach, and turned smoky earth, and it’s long on the palate, with a good finish and a hint of mocha. Drink 2024-2040. One of the most historic names in Sonoma, the Martinellis are sixth-generation winegrowers based in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Prolific farmers, all of their wines come from estate-grown fruit, with 90% of the grapes sold off to other wineries. In addition to focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also produce Zinfandel, Syrah, and Muscat of Alexandria. Courtney Robinett Wagoner joined the team in 2015 as the assistant winemaker before being promoted to winemaker in 2017.

The 2021 Zinfandel Jackass Hill is bursting at the seams with super-ripe red fruit, citrus, white flowers and white pepper. Readers will find an especially open, racy Zinfandel with plenty of character, but less overt weight than in the past. Tasted next to the Jackass Vineyard, the Jackass Hill is more earthy and savory, although the two wines aren't as different as they have been in some previous years. (AG)