2012 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Hill Vineyard
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Tasting notes
From ancient vines aged between 115 and 120 years, Martinelli produced a 2012 Zinfandel Jackass Hill Vineyard that also achieved 17.1% natural alcohol. One of the most profound Zinfandels made in California, it boasts notes of figs, prunes, spice box, smoked meats, barbecue spices, blackcurrants and black cherries. This full-bodied, unctuously textured Zinfandel is totally dry, but the high alcohol gives it an impression of sweetness because of the elevated glycerin levels. This comes from a hillside slope that can hit 65 degrees, hence the local farmers referred to one of the Martinelli pioneers as a “jackass.” It is remarkable that anyone would ever plant a vineyard on such an incline. Drink the Jackass Hill over the next 15-20 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright ruby-red. Highly perfumed aromas of black and blue fruits, apricot, potpourri and woodsmoke, with a sexy Asian spice nuance adding complexity. Juicy, penetrating blueberry and mulberry flavors show outstanding depth, with a spine of zesty minerality providing lift. Offers a compelling blend of richness, weight and vivacity and finishes with superb clarity, power and spicy persistence. I suspect that this hugely concentrated wine will age along a slow, steady, very long curve.
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.