Martinelli Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel 2005

"Even more powerful at 17.1% is the 2005 Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard. This tastes like a Zinfandel made by Henri Bonneau in Chateauneuf du Pape. Sweet kirsch liqueur intermixed with roasted herbs, pepper, spice box, and gamey aged beef notes all combine for a wine with great fruit, huge glycerin and volume, as one might suspect from the alcohol level, but no sense of heat. This is a ripe, heady, individualistic/singular style of wine that you either love or hate. I simply love it. There 572 cases of the Jackass Vineyard, which is a relatively large production for this site. At 17.5% of alcohol, the achievement in this wine fermenting dry is remarkable."

95 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Ruby-red. Intensely floral on the nose, with bright raspberry and blueberry aromas supported by zesty minerality and complemented by fresh rose and lavender. Incredibly deep dark berry flavors are complemented by candied licorice and floral pastille tones. This is beyond rich and sweet but there's an almost eerie elegance about it. The vines here were planted in 1877. Turley says that the wild yeasts here will allow the wine to ferment to dryness with up to 18% alcohol (this one clocks in at 17.1%). 'That's what 130-year-old yeast can do, I guess.'"

94 Points

International Wine Cellar