Assorted Martinelli Tasting Lot — "Jackass Vineyard" RRV Zinfandel, "Jackass Vineyard" RRV Zinfandel (375ml), "Three Sisters Sea Ridge Meadow" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, "Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough" Green Val

“From the renowned Jackass Vineyard, the 2001 Zinfandel (a mere 14.9% alcohol, rather low for this vineyard) exhibits a dark plum/garnet color in addition to a complex nose of plums, figs, smoked game, sweet and sour cherries, black currants, and earth. Medium to full-bodied with surprisingly good acidity, it is, to date, the most elegant, well-delineated, vibrant Zinfandel made from this incredibly steep hillside vineyard. (RP)” (10/2003)

“Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2005 Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard offers up a beautifully perfumed nose of violets, fragrant soil and rose hip tea over a core of preserved plums and blueberry compote plus wafts of hoisin and tobacco. It fills the mouth with super full, rich, wonderfully plush tannins and invigorating freshness, finishing with wonderful length and depth. (LPB)” (07/2018)

“Ruby-red. Intensely floral on the nose, with bright raspberry and blueberry aromas supported by zesty minerality and complemented by fresh rose and lavender. Incredibly deep dark berry flavors are complemented by candied licorice and floral pastille tones. This is beyond rich and sweet but there's an almost eerie elegance about it. The vines here were planted in 1877. Turley says that the wild yeasts here will allow the wine to ferment to dryness with up to 18% alcohol (this one clocks in at 17.1%). "That's what 130-year-old yeast can do, I guess." (JR)” (05/2007)

“Martinelli’s Zinfandel portfolio continues to grow, with as many as five different offerings now available. The 2006 and 2007 Jackass Hill Vineyard cuvees were not tasted at this visit. However, the other four wines I tasted, all from steep hillside vineyard sites with the newer plantings planted from bud wood of both the Jackass Hill and Jackass vineyards, were brilliant. They are among the fullest-bodied, headiest, most distinctive Zinfandels made in California.” (12/2008)

“Marked by herb, cola, dried berry and hints of prune, this is a cool-site wine that's complex and not overly ripe, but balanced. (JL)” (05/2008)

“Resembling a premier cru from the Côte de Beaune, the 2006 Pinot Noir Three Sisters Vineyard Sea Ridge Meadow offers up scents of pomegranate, kirsch, licorice, roasted herbs, and underbrush. It is a full-bodied, silky-textured, sexy, opulent effort to enjoy over the next 3-5 years. (RP)” (12/2007)

“Opaque ruby. Ripe, luscious aromas of blackberry, blueberry, candied licorice, violet and cocoa powder. Concentrated, broad and deep, with palate-coating dark berry flavors complicated by vanilla bean, mace and mocha. Closes with supple, harmonious tannins and sweet notes of fruitcake, dark chocolate and subtle minerality. (ST)” (05/2011)