Burgundian specialist Greg LaFollette brings a Pinot Noir sensibility to this wine from the famed Jessie’s Grove “Royal Tee” block – a 120+ year old vineyard interplanted with Zinfandel, Carignan, Mission, Flame Tokay and Black Prince. The field blend style is on full display here, with great acidity matching the ripeness of the Zinfandel and some whole cluster fermentation pushing the sense-of-place earthy character into balance with the cherry, plum and strawberry fruit and letting a dash of white pepper speak. The score here reflects not only the quality of the wine, but the age worthy structure. There’s not much of it to go around, but you’ll want some in your cellar.
Alquimista Cellars, Lodi (California) Zinfandel 2017
By Rich Cook