Winemaker Notes
Rattlesnake Zinfandel is a tribute to the crest called Rattlesnake Hill, the highest point of the Monte Rosso Vineyard. It's famous for the rattlesnakes living among the vines, seeking sunshine by day and coiling around the vines at night. This Zinfandel is bold and boisterous, with intense layers black cherry, raspberry, licorice and Sichuan pepper. Vanilla and graham cracker undertones linger on the long finish – this wine lives up to its name in every way, possessing a power that strikes with intense force.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A burly, full-bodied wine overflowing with dried fruit flavors. Made from grapes from the Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso vineyard and dosed with 5% petite sirah. Moderate tannins and a surprising dash of good fruit acidity keep it lively while being super-ripe and rather high in alcohol. Dried grapes, dried plums, blackberries and hints of black pepper and orange oil.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Zinfandel Rattlesnake contains 6% Petite Sirah. It has open, inviting aromas of red and black cherries and plums, charcuterie, cardamom and star anise. The full-bodied palate is velvety and refreshing with layered, perfumed flavors, integrated oak spices and a long finish.
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.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.