Martinelli "Giuseppe & Luisa" Zinfandel

2012 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe and Luisa

The 2012 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa (503 cases; 17.3% alcohol) is made from the Jackass Hill clone of Zinfandel. This used to be the vineyard where the Martinellis made one of the two or three finest dry Gewurztraminers in Northern California. However, it’s planted with Zinfandel now, and we should be thankful for that. This deep plum/ruby-hued 2012 boasts fabulous fruit along with notes of jammy kirsch liqueur intertwined with licorice, sandalwood, Provençal herbs, pepper and that smoked meat/barbecue complexity. Full-bodied and unctuously textured, it should drink beautifully for 8-10 years, but will keep a lot longer since the alcohol will stabilize it for many years.