Winemaker Notes
Dark garnet-ruby. Heady, concentrated aromas of macerated cherries and raspberries are complemented by notes of blood orange. Holy moly! These aromas could fill a room! The wine enters the mouth with medium-full to full body and offers flavors of black raspberry and amarena, Italian black cherry. Zesty acidity in the lingering finish bodes well for further development. Drink from 2022 to 2028.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
From a site in the Russian River (mostly Papera Vineyard but 24% from Carlisle and 6% from Mancini), the 2018 Zinfandel Piner-Olivet Ranches sports a deep purple color as well as a pretty bouquet of spiced strawberries, blueberries, smoked earth, leafy herbs, candied orange, and violets. A juicy, elegant wine with medium to full body, bright acidity, and a seamless texture, drink this incredibly delicious Zinfandel over the coming 5-7 years or so.
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Wine Spectator
A briary and zesty red, with a core of vibrant acidity wrapped in red plum and cherry flavors, accented by grilled anise and pepper notes. Builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2018 Zinfandel Piner-Olivet Ranches has gregarious, layered aromas of candied peaches and cherries, dried flowers, aniseed and blood orange, laced with loads of spices. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft frame, bright freshness and loads of spicy fruits lingering through the finish. It's a very pretty Zinfandel with full fruit in a light, plush package. 503 cases were made.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Very much cut from similar cloth as its Papera Ranch companion and, again, a very well-made Zinfandel of excellent focus and fruity depth, this one is just a tad tighter and firmer in build and, as a result, is a bit more demanding of age. Not that it cannot be enjoyed over the next couple of years, if one were to so choose, but there is terrific potential for growth here and we would lay it away for no fewer than four more with full confidence that will be drinking beautifully when it arrives at its tenth birthday.
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.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.