Winemaker Notes
Gutsy but delicate, the 2012 Russian River Zinfandel combines bright raspberry and brambles on the nose. The clarity of the nose is echoed by fresh acidity on the palate and balanced with a full mouth-feel and chewy finish. This wine is not shy in regards to structure and rustic charm: it is classic Limerick Lane Zinfandel.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A delicious, heady, sexy offering, the 2012 Zinfandel Limerick Lane Estate tips the scales at 14.8% alcohol. Its deep plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a super-seductive perfume of jammy red and black fruits, a full-bodied opulence, impressive purity and a long, heady finish. Another great example of top-flight winemaking using wonderful old vine materials, it should drink well for 7-10 years.
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Wine Spectator
A knockout Zinfandel, balancing an opulent texture with great focus and depth. Aromas of rose petal and raspberry lead to rich and layered flavors of cherry, herbes de Provence and cracked white pepper. Finishes with a bounce of acidity and ripe, lively tannins. Drink now through 2020.
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.