2005 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe and Louisa
Russian River, Sonoma, California
 
WB Rating: 90

 
Alcohol by volume: 16.9%
Price at time of purchase: $48.00 (from winery)
 
Type: Zinfandel
Principal varietal(s):

This is a huge Zinfandel, but definitely seems a bit calmer than when tasted a few years ago. Jammy nose with an alcoholic blast - kirsch, strawberry, cherry, prune, spice, sweet oak. In the mouth there are layers of flavor and a sweet feel, though it's not clear whether there is any residual sugar. (How can there be any sugar left at 16.9% alcohol!?) Without food, you can sense some heat from the alcohol level. There is probably a load of tannin behind all this but it is submerged in the fruit. Really good, fun, interesting Zin, though I'd probably prefer it with a percent less alcohol in it - that would make it "merely" 15.9%. - HK 2011-04-24

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