Winemaker Notes:
Rattlesnake Zinfandel is a tribute to the crest called Rattlesnake Hill, the highest point of the Monte Rosso Vineyard. It’s famous for the rattlesnakes living among the vines, seeking the abundant sunshine by day and coiling around and inside the vines at nightfall.
Grapes for the 2016 Rattlesnake Zinfandel were primarily selected from Monte Rosso Vineyard (86%) including the Rattlesnake block. Full-bodied with a spicy frame, this Zinfandel boasts rich aromatics and explosive dark fruit notes. Ripe black raspberry, blueberry, cedar and earth are balanced and seamlessly interwoven throughout the mid-palate.
The 2016 Zinfandel Rattlesnake contains 10% Petite Sirah and was aged in new French (41%) and American (7%) oak barrels for 14 months. Medium garnet-purple colored, it leaps forth with baked raspberries, kirsch and blackberry pie notes pus nuances of dusty soil, cinnamon stick, dried roses and oolong tea with a hint of spearmint. Full-bodied, rich and spicy in the mouth, it has a plush texture and fantastic freshness, finishing with a minty lift.
-Robert Parker, 94pts
Redcurrants, fresh thyme, sage and red licorice. Medium body, juicy tannins, plenty of sweet berries and a round finish. Some good firmness to the tannins adds to the definition. Drink now.
-James Suckling, 91pts
Gutsy yet polished, with deep blackberry, espresso and smoky cracked pepper flavors that take on richness on the finish. Drink now through 2026.
-Wine Spectator, 91pts
