Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel 2014 Front Label
Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel 2014 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

The very first thing you notice about this vintage is the deep, darkvermillion red cast of the wine, tinged with indigo blue hues. The aroma is classic, dominated by cherry, pomegranate and boysenberry. As expected, there’s a fine layer of white and black pepper. Flavors are abundant and very 'zinny’ led by raspberry surrounded in a spicy sea of cloves, cinnamon and allspice. As you taste the wine you’ll experience a plush, full, well-rounded mouthfeel that is coated with fine grained tannins and a lingering, memorable finish. I make this wine for immediate enjoyment, but the acid backbone and well balanced structure will allow for aging for at least another four years, perhaps longer.

This is thewine for grilled meats, richly sauced pastas and bold artisan cheeses such as Comte, Gruyere, or aged Cheddars.

Professional Ratings

  • 92
    “Wow” is the first word that comes to mind when tasting this superconcentrated and immensely fruity wine. It practically overwhelms the nose and the palate with ripe, jammy boysenberry and blackberry, sprinkled with licorice and black-pepper nuances that add attractive complexity. It's a big wine all the way, but not extreme in alcohol. Editor's Choice
Artezin

Artezin

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Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.

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Mendocino

California

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A large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.

YNG507324_2014 Item# 167390