2022 Marietta Cellars - Angeli Zinfandel (750ml)

Angeli Zinfandel is one of Marietta Cellars' single-vineyard estate series, made with terroir foremost in mind. Once just a component of the winery's Angeli Cuvée blend, this Zinfandel stood out so consistently for its brilliance, clarity, and leanness that it's now showcased entirely on its own, a true expression of a unique little canyon off Alexander Valley known as Angeli Ranch. The vines, first planted in the late 1880s, span 35 acres connecting Zinfandel grown on gravel swales from the Russian River to terraced knolls, where foggy mornings burn off to hot afternoons followed by chilly nights, striking a balance between warmth and freshness.

A unique approach of cool fermentations and 15 months of neutral barrel aging emphasizes freshness in this wine. The 2022 season, marked by a dry winter, frosty spring, and summer heat spikes, produced a lighter crop with concentrated flavors, ripe tannins, and fruit-forward character.

The finished wine pours bright and clear scarlet, edged with a deeper hue reminiscent of plum skin. Swirling layers of ripe cherry, blood peach, and marzipan make it immediately bright and inviting on the nose, with hints of violet, black tea, and spice grounding it with dark intensity. The palate is velvety, finishing dry with a textured fore-mouth focus and a core of acidity cutting a cleansing path through the richness.

This is an excellent match for charred scallions, leg of lamb, or rosemary-scented potatoes, and works equally well alongside a creamy chocolate dessert.