2021 Martinelli 'Giuseppe & Luisa' Zinfandel Russian River Valley
Immediately upon pouring your nose is engulfed with aromas of dried cherries, stone fruit, black tea, and fresh picked raspberries. The palate is mouthcoating in an intriguing way from the layers of tannins. Flavors of ripe apricot, black cherry, and sweet cream are found on the palate. A hint of white pepper is present along with white peach in the lingering finish.
Our tastings with the utterly vivacious Regina Martinelli, sales director for her family's 130-year-old winery, are always showstoppers. Every one of this winery's Chardonnays, Pinots Noirs, Syrahs, and Zinfandels is outstanding. If we know anything about what we're doing, the wines are going to turn you on. They have it all: brilliantly expressive fruit, concentration, and complexity. It's not often that a winery comes by and reminds us why we love wine so much. Put together a mixed case and experience the thrill for yourself. Most of these wines are sold only through the winery and are very hard to find.
Vinous
The 2022 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa emerges from a 1995 planted site with the Jackass Hill clone next to the winery on the Santa Rosa plain. Strong floral notes meld into a core of red cherry fruit, apricot, white flowers and mint. As is often the case, this is intensely, almost suggestive of white grapes. This is such a pretty and expressive wine.