2012 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The evolved dark garnet-colored 2012 Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard came in at only 17.1% natural alcohol. It is extremely full-bodied with notes of lavender, bay leaf, sweet mulberry and black cherry jam, wild strawberries, spice box and charcuterie. The incredibly decadent, luxurious aromatic profile is followed by an equally stunning, multidimensional, full-throttle, massively-endowed wine to drink over the next 10-15+ years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(17.3% alcohol): Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed scents of red and dark berry liqueur, Asian spices and potpourri, with a hint of smokiness in the background. Juicy and precise but densely packed as well, offering intense black raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of candied lavender. Supple tannins shape the finish, which clings with superb tenacity and pronounced spiciness. Lee Martinelli Jr. noted that the Jackass Vineyard bottling is always more tannic and structured than the Jackass Hill, which he described as more opulent and approachable when young.
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.