Martinelli 2023 'Giuseppe & Luisa' Zinfandel, Sonoma

96 Points Parker - limited                   
Limited release of Martinelli's legendary Giuseppe & Luisa Sonoma Zinfandel.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "A saturated ruby red color, the Martineli 2023 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa is savory and has an intriguing nose with notes of cedar, red berries, and baked earth. The acidity is incredible on this wine, which has a salty feel and bright, shining fruit. This is a great value....one of the most historic names in Sonoma, the Martinellis are sixth-generation winegrowers based in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Prolific farmers, all of their wines come from estate-grown fruit, with 90% of the grapes sold off to other wineries. In addition to focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also produce Zinfandel, Syrah, and Muscat of Alexandria. Courtney Robinett Wagoner joined the team in 2015 as the assistant winemaker before being promoted to winemaker in 2017."

93 Points Robert Parker: "From vines planted in 1995, the Martinelli 2023 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa was matured in 40% new French oak. It has open, inviting aromas of cranberry, blueberry, wildflowers, earth and spice. The medium-bodied palate features generous, spicy flavors framed by grainy tannins. It’s balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a long, flavorful finish. 1,679 cases produced.

...One of the great families of Northern California, and of course, one of the highest quality producers, the Martinellis – and rather remarkably so – only estate-bottle 15% of their production from over 300 acres of beautifully situated vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. No doubt Helen Turley, who worked at Martinelli and mentored its winemaking team, left a profound influence on the quality of the Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Syrahs and Zinfandels, a fact that can’t be overstated. The Chardonnays all go through full malolactic fermentation and tend to see about 50% new oak. The Pinot Noirs are always 100% destemmed and largely spend no longer than ten months in about 60% new French oak. More specifics are included with the following tasting notes."