2004 Zinfandel Russian River Valley

Although this cuvee was freshly bottled the week I tasted it, it performed fabulously well. A terrific buy is the blend of 7 different vineyards (the average age of 80+ years), the 2004 Zinfandel Russian River. This gorgeously rich effort reveals a Pinot Noir-like sensitivity along with a seductive, fragrant nose of black raspberries, cherries, spice box, pepper, and earth. In the mouth, it’s a flamboyant, seductive, expansive, full-bodied, savory wine with beautifully integrated acidity, wood, alcohol, and tannin. Drink this decadent Zin over the next 5-6 years. The Zinfandels, fashioned from old head-pruned Russian River vineyards, are 100% destemmed, but as many whole berries as possible are utilized in the wines’ fermentations, and the wines are aged in French oak. In terms of complexity, richness, and quality, Hartford Court’s Zins rank alongside those of Turley Wine Cellars. Tel. (800) 588-0234