About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Montafi Ranch Vineyard is a rare surviving old-vine Zinfandel site in the Russian River Valley, where many historic Zinfandel vineyards have been replaced by other varieties. Planted in 1926, its head-trained vines form a traditional field blend of Zinfandel, Alicante Bouschet and other mixed black varieties. The relatively cool climate and mixed planting shape an intensely aromatic, savory expression with bright acidity and ripe tannins.
Grapes
The 2022 blend is 90% Zinfandel and 10% Alicante Bouschet. Part of the Alicante Bouschet was harvested separately and incorporated as topping wine during maturation.
Vinification
The fruit was picked by hand, gently destemmed and moved without pumping into a small open-top fermentor. Pneumatic punch-downs and pump-overs through a screen continued for 12 days. The free-run wine was transferred to barrel to finish primary fermentation and undergo malolactic fermentation. It was racked twice before bottling.
Ageing
Maturation lasted 16 months in French oak, with 19% new barrels. Half of the ageing vessels were 500 L French oak puncheons.
Technical data
2022: 15.5% alcohol, pH 3.67, total acidity 6.1 g/L and production of 808 cases.
Tasting profile
Bold dark bramble fruit and spice-box aromas introduce a rich, silky palate. Earthy black raspberry and currant are accented by cardamom and violet. The initially supple structure gains definition through the mid-palate and concludes with a persistent finish.
Serving and pairing
Pair with braised short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta and freshly grated horseradish.
Vintage notes
The 2022 season began after substantially below-average winter rainfall and continued through a prolonged frost period lasting into late April. Cooler conditions in May and June brought development closer to the seasonal norm, before July and August heat caused some sunburn. Record temperatures during Labor Day week accelerated ripening and produced one of the estate's fastest harvests. Montafi Ranch was harvested on September 14, 2022.
