Vellutini Ranch Zinfandel 2020

The Vellutini Ranch is bordered on the east by Jackass Hill and on the south by Jackass Vineyard, and was planted with bud wood from both of these vineyards.  This seven acre vineyard was planted in 1999, and is planted to both Zinfandel and Syrah grapes.

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, Syrah

SOIL INFORMATION

Hugo with Josephine

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

Sandstone with Shale

ROOTSTOCK

420A

CLONAL SELECTION

Jackass Hill and Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel budwood

YEAR ACQUIRED

1999

YEAR PLANTED

2001, 2002, 2003

The warming aromas of raspberry preserves, cedar and maple are present in the nose. Flavors of wild berry pie and sweet anise add to the unfolding layers in the palate. The present tannins last through the lengthy finish.