Rosenblum Cellars, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Zinfandel 2022 ($50)

This label has a long history as one of the “R’s” of Zinfandel – the others being Rafanelli and Ravenswood (and Runquist and Renwood on some dance cards). As in many cases these days, the name lives on though the proprietor who built the brand has passed. Though ownership of the brand has changed hands more than once, the spirit lives on in wines like this one. It adds some rare “R’s” for the variety – Russian River, which is generally thought to be the land of Pinot Noir. It’s perfectly ripe, with full tilt bramble berry fruit, fall spice and a dash of pepper, and it leaves you with a pleasant acidic pop on the finish that keeps it feeling fresh. Well done.
93 Rich Cook