2017 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Block 1910

Pretty much all Zin. ‘California has seen a big resurgence of lightness. We’ve made wines at 13.2% to high 15s but I’ve had wines of all alcohols that are or are not in balance’, says Scot Bilbro. Mainly sold on mailing list, 6,000 cases sold, 80% direct. Limerick Lane was an iconic Zin producer in the 1980s. Sweet and rich with a curranty undertow. Much more like a typical Zin than, for example, Bedrock Zins. A bit sweet and berrified. (JR)

Aged 18 months in neutral oak, the 2017 Zinfandel 1910 Block has a medium to deep ruby-purple color in the glass. POW! The nose explodes with warm peach jam, brown sugar crumble, vanilla, cinnamon, exotic spices, blue fruit preserves and baked plum with streaks of earth, dried violet and peppery and meaty hints. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives up layers of spiced, tricolored fruits with fine, grainy tannins and lip-smacking freshness, finishing very long, warm and layered. That’s great Zinfandel! 280 cases were made.

Coming all from 109-year-old vines on the estate, brought up in neutral oak, the 2017 Zinfandel 1910 Block is about as classy and elegant as Zinfandel gets. Offering up beautiful plum, blueberry, sandalwood, orange blossom, and flowery incense, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, building yet ultra-fine tannins, awesome intensity, and a great finish. This isn't a monster Zinfandel yet is one that builds incrementally on the palate, with great intensity and depth, all while staying fresh and lively. It's a brilliant wine.