2001 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (9/17/2008)
WIMLNR

Tasted September 17, 2008 at an offline.

14.9% alcohol. Opened and served immediately. Dark purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Truly bizarre nose for a Zinfandel with herbal notes, lychee, potpourri and menthol. Simple and straightforward fruits on the palate. Light acidity, resolved tannins, medium body. Drink now. I'd rate this wine pretty doggone low but all of the Martinelli sycophants would come out of the woodwork and berate me that I had an off bottle so I'll just decline rating it right up front.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
I'd rate this wine pretty doggone low but all of the Martinelli sycophants would come out of the woodwork and berate me that I had an off bottle so I'll just decline rating it right up front.

Oh, c'mon, wiml. You've got enough street cred here to speak/write your mind and not be afraid of anybody... though you're probably right. Nonetheless, thanks for the note.

Thanks for the note. I've been eyeballing these for some time, but have been reluctant to pull the trigger. Now I can feel assured my decision was sound!

And fabulous use of the word 'sycophant.'

There's a rather large thread on this particular wine on another wine board that basically says this wine suffers from two ailments: bottle variation and it just wasn't that good to begin with. A deadly combination.

quote:

I'd rate this wine pretty doggone low but all of the Martinelli sycophants would come out of the woodwork and berate me that I had an off bottle so I'll just decline rating it right up front.

wiml, I was ready to berate you, otherwise I would have to admit feeling stupid for paying too much for that weak bottle of 2001 Zinfandel! Even the 2005 is better than the 2001. Also, for the money, I prefer the Guiseppe & Luisa in most years.----Also, the 2005 Jackass Hill was $125 from the winery. No Zin is worth $125! I skipped this years fall mailer for the first time in five years.

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Also, for the money, I prefer the Guiseppe & Luisa in most years.----Also, the 2005 Jackass Hill was $125 from the winery. No Zin is worth $125! I skipped this years fall mailer for the first time in five years.

Me too. I'd add that few American wines are worth $125 ... certainly not zinfandel.

WIML, I think this was discussed here as well a few years ago. I called the wine flawed. It was not clear and obviously needed fining or filtration to make it stable. I would also guess it had some bacteria or yeast issues.

As I recall Eric White may have started the thread and also given it a poor review.