Gnarly Vine Zinfandel Louis M Martini Vintage 2016

Louis M. Martini Winery is a Napa Valley producer founded in 1933 in what is now the St Helena AVA. It mostly produces red wine, being best known for Cabernet Sauvignon which accounts for the majority of output. it also produces this highly prized Zinfandel at the Monte Rosso Vineyard. it forms part of their single vineyard collection. Made from ancient vines in the nineteenth century, inspiring the name Gnarly Vines. The 2016 vintage was very good for the wines of Sonoma County and the wider California area.

Typical blend, Zinfandel. 75cl bottle. Abv 15%

Bottle condition, capsule excellent, label excellent, wine level high fill

Had many years of this wine, and six of this particular vintage. This had been my least favorite vintage, but it was my fault. I see from the notes below that others have made the same mistake. I decant aggressively, sometimes too much. This is one example. At this point, decant the wine only 20 minutes, then put it back in the bottle. In the past, I would decant for one hour+ because of how full and flavor-rich other vintages have been. Too much air with the 2016 will rob you of the delicious iron and soft tobacco and underbrush notes that make this expensive Zin worth the price. It's Zin, so you bought it because of the fruit. This vintage, more than any other I have had, is too quickly oxidized, with big decanting discarding the savory and harmonious notes and allowing the lurking tannins to take over the otherwise beautifully balanced experience. This year is unique. It is worthy, but it must be handled delicately.

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