2017 Bacigalupi Vineyard Zinfandel - T-Vine Winery

Vibrant dark cherry, cracked pepper, blueberry skin. Glass-bottle cola, powdered nutmeg, crunchy boysenberry. A surprisingly ethereal and finesse-driven bouquet of juicy blackberry, red plum, and chocolate covered strawberry whirls with impressive lift aided by complicating notes of sea salt, cinnamon, and cherry blossom. Mint leaf and bougainvillea reveal a subtle yet persistent natural twist enhanced by a pinch of spice and a delicate kiss of oak. Notes of mocha and milk chocolate expose hints of restrained opulence that do not outshine sandy loam and a mild earthy edge. Fresh, bright, and expressive while remaining wonderfully silky and feminine on palate; exhibiting distinctly cool climate verve that favors reflection of terroir over excess weight or concentration. Medium in body with moderate tannin backed gorgeously elevated acidity. This 2017 Bacigalupi Vineyard Zinfandel by T-Vine Winery is a remarkably elegant, complex, and unique red from the Russian River Valley.   

Although Sonoma's Russian River Valley is known primarily as a source for world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this legendary Californian region has long been home to old Zinfandel vineyards planted by the area's pioneering Italian-American farmers. This bottling, crafted by T-Vine Winery using Zinfandel sourced from the Bacigalupi Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, showcases the incredible allure and characterful complexity that these surviving heritage vineyards still retain today. True to its variety and place of origin this wine emits a fragrant bouquet of ripe yet delicate fruit backed by subtle doses of Zin's typical natural and peppery charms. It is flawlessly balanced and spirited on the palate with bright acidity that ensures its fruit is always offset by freshness. This is an unconventional and terroir-expressive RRV gem.