2021 Ridge Zinfandel Jimsomare

The 2021 Zinfandel Jimsomare comes from the Santa Cruz Mountains (Monte Bello Vineyard) and is 100% Zinfandel. It's classic stuff, with lots of red plum, mulberry, sweet cigar, cedary spice, and candied flower/incense-like notes as well as medium-bodied richness and depth on the palate. It's a juicy, elegant, nicely balanced Zinfandel to drink over the coming decade, and this is one where I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve even longer given its bright acidity and terrific balance.

Full bottle 1,214 g. 100% Zinfandel from Monte Bello Estate vineyard. From the wonderfully detailed label, 'Bottled Mar ‘23. This dry growing season began with a chilly winter followed by a warm spring and mild summer. Despite water stress the conditions led to a typical mid-September harvest. This lower block on Monte Bello with its unique micro-climate, produced an exceptional Zinfandel. Barrel aged for sixteen months ... ingredients: hand-harvested, estate-grown grapes; indigenous yeast; naturally occurring malolactic bacteria; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective SO 2 .' Medium verging on deep ruby in colour with just a hint of purple. Spicy cinnamon and worn-leather nose with jammy raspberry and black-plum fruit. Fresh acid – flavourful and fresh on the palate with persistent spice and a bit of smokiness. Sticky tannin supporting the fruit. (SCJ)

The lively 2021 Zinfandel Jimsomare is perfumed and lifted on the nose with boysenberry, bramble, peach skin and hoisin aromas. The palate is equal parts plush and spry, lined with lip-smacking acidity and detailed, chalky tannins on the finish. At 13.9% alcohol, this is a bright, energetic bottling of Jimsomare that should be a delight to follow into the next decade and beyond.