Riebli Valley Vineyard Zinfandel Reviews

The zin at Riebli Vineyard was planted in the late 19th century on the western slope of the Mayacamas Range. The fruit’s old-vine concentration feels Porty and hyperripe at first. But there’s a firmness to the tannins that becomes more interesting with air, a black spice character that brings to mind the mineral spark of a good Vintage Port more than anything jammy.  Servie it as a vino da meditazione with strong cheeses.

The grapes are from an old vineyard on the warmer eastern side of Russian River Valley, in the Mayacamas foothills. The wine is exceptionally ripe, with blackberries veering into prunes and raisins. The tannins are wonderfully smooth and complex. Drink it now with barbecue.