Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

Zinfandel of the Month – 2015 Reichwage Zinfandel Mancini Ranch Vineyard

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 September Zinfandel of the Month is the 2015 Reichwage Winery Zinfandel Mancini Ranch Vineyard.

Reichwage Winery was founded in 2014 by Max Reichwage to fulfill a dream of producing small quantities of classically made Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Max is the owner and winemaker. Before starting the winery in 2014, Max studied chemistry at the University of Michigan, and viticulture and enology at University California Davis.  Max owns Twin Hills Vineyard in Sonoma County and this will be the site of the winery in the not to distant future. In 2014 Max also purchased Mancini Ranch Vineyard.

The Mancini Ranch was planted in 1922. Mancini is on the eastern side of the Laguna de Santa Rosa. The 16 acre vineyard is head-trained, dry- farmed, and consists of mostly Zinfandel vines, although it is interplanted with an unusual mix of at least 20 different varieties. There are also two distinct sections of the vineyard, the North-West corner consists of mostly Carignan, while the South-East corner contains of mostly white varieties (Muscadelle, Palomino, French Colombard, and others).

Violet in color. 14.5% ABV. Stunning nose of red and black fruits, licorice and peach. Full bodied with exquisite acidity. Rich and luscious. Raspberry liqueur, blackberry, boysenberry and white pepper on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long and spicy. Just an excellent Zinfandel from a heritage vineyard that is finally getting the attention it deserves. Drink over the next 4-6 years. $35 at the winery.

My rating: 94 points.

Review based on samples provided by the winery.

Production at Reichwage is miniscule so act quickly if you want to secure the recently released Carignane and Zinfandel.

Max Reichwage was mentioned recently in an amazing article by Esther Mobley. Please read Vintners Rally to Preserve Russian River Valley’s Historic Zinfandel Vineyards.

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