Not too many outsiders get a crack at the fruit from the famous Monte Rosso Vineyard — a vineyard that is well known for producing bold Zinfandel. Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen might be known for elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but she shows a deft hand here, expressing purity of brambly ripe side aromatics with accents of cinnamon and clove. There is great acidity for this ripeness level, and it helps to maintain a dash of varietal black pepper. Nice!
Clockwise, Moon Mountain District – Sonoma County (California) Zinfandel 2021
By Rich Cook