This is high elevation Zinfandel made from organically farmed Sierra Foothills fruit. Situated in the Fair Play region of the foothills with elevations of about 2500 feet, winemakers Susan Marks and Jonathan Lasch continue to operate their winery with no employees doing all the work themselves. A true labor of love.
Strikingly smoky, the black cherry and vanilla aromas are inflected by pleasing green hints that remind me of moss-covered wood since there is a hint of earth.
Neither overly concentrated nor weighty, lithe and sleek on the palate, there is a slight raisin quality with muted vanilla. The tannins are quiet and refined, giving a gentle urgency to the finish. With a zap of acidity closing the midpalate, the finish refreshes and is fruit driven, ending with some savory bitterness.
Smoothly textured, almost glassy and persistently juicy throughout the experience, this is no big, brambly Zin. The emphasis is on purity of fruit with those unique smoky notes. A versatile food wine.
Gentle and consoling but with some backbone like Jem’s Come on Closer
Score: 90
Price: $26 (Purchase Here)
Alc: 14.9%
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