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 July Zinfandel of the Month is the 2015 Maryhill Zinfandel Proprietor’s Reserve.
Maryhill Winery was founded by Craig and Vicki Leuthold in 1999. In 2000, the Leutholds began construction on their winery production facility and tasting room just west of Maryhill Museum on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. Richard Batchelor is the winermaker and the winery produces a vast array of wines.
I chose the Maryhill Zinfadel as my Zinfandel of the Month because I had a chance to visit the winery this past weekend on a camping trip it Maryhill State Park. In addition they are one of only a handful of Washington wineries with a successful Zinfandel program.
Dark red in color. 15.2% ABV. 100% Zinfandel sourced from Gunkel, Clifton Hill, Art Den Hoed and McKinley Springs Vineyards. Savory nose of red fruits, spiced plums, earth and pepper. Medium body with medium acidity and admirable balance. Claret style Zinfandel with an abundance of sweet fruits. Black Raspberry, cherry, bittersweet chocolate and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Delicious Zinfandel and frankly better than I expected. One of the better examples of Washington Zinfandel. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 91 points.
This wine is $48 at the winery and retail. By no means a bargain but worth seeking out to experience the potential of Washington Zinfandel. On top of that winery and tasting room in Maryhill make for a fantastic visit when you are next in the area.