Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

Zinfandel of the Month – 2014 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.

The May Zinfandel of the Month is the 2014 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley.

Limerick Lane Winery is in the Russian River Valley just south of the town of Healdsburg.The Del Fava family planted the oldest currently producing vineyard at Limerick Lane in 1910, a field blend consisting mostly of Zinfandel. In 1977, the Del Favas sold their thirty acre property to brothers Michael and Tom Collins. The two brothers began by selling some of the grapes to local wineries including De Loach, Ravenswood and Gary Farrell. In 1985, Limerick Lane Cellars was created. By 2009, Mike Collins was ready to sell and asked his neighbor Jake Bilbro if he would like to buy Limerick Lane and the Collins Vineyard. For two years Jake pitched nearly every bank in California before a local bank in Healdsburg finally agreed to give him the loan.

Ruby red in color. 14.8% ABV. Mostly Zinfandel with small amounts of inter-planted Peloursin, Negrette, and Petite Sirah. Showstopping nose of red fruits, cracked pepper and flowers. Super rich and polished with tremendous acidity. Exceptional balance. Raspberry compote, cherries and baking spices on the palate. The finish is very long on this succulent Zinfandel. Lots to like here and it bodes well for the higher end bottlings in this vintage. Drink over the next 4-6 years.

My rating: 93 points.

This wine was recently released and is $42 at the winery and retail.

I’ve been following Limerick Lane since the early 90’s. Consistently delicious Zins and the vineyard could not be in better hands right now. The mailing list here is highly recommended.

I blogged about Limerick Lane Vineyard previously in Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards.

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