Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel 2020

This eight-acre vineyard was planted in the early 1800s, which makes it our oldest vineyard, and is located just south of our famed Jackass Hill Vineyard.  These old, head-pruned vines are farmed much the same way as they were a century ago; without the use of trellising, irrigation or pesticides. Common to this area, it has both Goldridge and Franciscan soil types.

2020 will likely go down as one of the most memorable harvests in Martinelli history. The growing season was nearly perfect until mid-August when two nearby wildfires were ignited by a dry lightning storm. At this time in the berries’ growth cycle, the skins are softening and developing flavors. Because we religiously prioritize the quality of our wines and the integrity of our brand, we made the hard but crucial decision to not make any Pinot Noir from the 2020 vintage. Unlike the other varietals that we grow, Pinot Noir is susceptible to absorbing flavors from its surroundings because it is exceptionally thin skinned. This is why we are able to pick up terroir flavor nuances even within the same AVA in this grape. Luckily, we have Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Syrah from the 2020 vintage. Chardonnay is removed from the skins as soon as it enters the winery, so contact with any smoke flavors is extremely minimal.  Zinfandel and Syrah both have very tough skins and did not absorb the smoke flavors we tasted in the Pinots.  Though we only processed half the amount of fruit we do in a normal year, we are grateful for the outstanding wines we were able to make from the 2020 harvest.

APPELLATION

Russian River Valley

VARIETALS PLANTED

Zinfandel

SOIL INFORMATION

Franciscan, Goldridge

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

Fractured bed-rock, Clay Loam

ROOTSTOCK

St. George

YEAR ACQUIRED

1880

YEAR PLANTED

1883

Encompassing aromas of blackberry, roasted coffee, and black tea are found in the nose. The well balanced acidity perfectly complements the rich weight of the palate. Profound flavors of cherry and blackberry pie in the mouth lead to the crème brulée finish.