1999 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The spectacular 1999 Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard (1,700 cases of 15.9% alcohol) is compelling. An opaque garnet/purple/plum color is followed by an exotic bouquet of smoked Peking duck, plum sauce, blackberry and cherry liqueur, and Asian spices. The wine is exquisitely concentrated, thick, viscous, and rich, but dry and remarkably well-balanced, with a blockbuster finish. It should drink well for a decade. Year in and year out, the following wine gets my nod as one of California's greatest Zinfandels. Tel. (707) 525-0570
Critic scores
Robert Parker
About the producer
Martinelli is a Sonoma benchmark for vineyard-designate bottlings—wines built to highlight how strongly a single site can shape Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Across the range, the focus stays consistent: small-production bottlings that feel distinctly tied to where they’re grown.