1994 Martinelli Jackass Hill Zinfandel Russian River Valley, USA

Please note the image is of a representative bottle. For pictures of the actual bottle please contact the store.

Winemaker Notes
Jackass Vineyard was planted in the late 1800's in the splendid Russian River Valley. This eight acre vineyard thrives on a steep rolling hillside which surrounds the west side of the Jackass Hill Vineyard. The old head pruned vines are farmed much the same way as they were a century ago; without the use of trellising, irrigation, or pesticides. The vines produce a large crop load for being 100 years old, about three tons per acre, and the fruit is thinned to insure more concentrated flavor in the berries.

Press
Rated 97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Last year I said the 1994 Jackass Hill (97 points) would become my benchmark Zinfandel, but the 1995 may surpass the 1994. Martinelli's most popular wine (until readers begin to discover just how exciting the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are) remains the Jackass Zinfandel. Are the 1995s superior to the 1994? My tasting instincts suggest both efforts are as good. The landmark Jackass Hill Vineyard (an incredibly steep vineyard planted in 1887) produces spectacular wines.

Rated 92 points Wine Spectator
Dark, ripe and intense. Delivers an elegant core of complex, rich, plush plum, cherry, currant and berry flavors, with a tarry, spicy aftertaste. Delicious now and worthy of short-term cellaring.