96 Points Parker - limited Limited release of Martinelli's legendary Giuseppe & Luisa Sonoma Zinfandel. 97 Points Robert Parker: "The 2021 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa is expressive, perfumed and a pleasure to drink—it offers restraint over power, detail over density and is one of those graceful California Zinfandels that seems more akin to Pinot Noir with its berry fruit and earthy layers. It has alluring scents of raspberry jam and tangerine with accents of lavender, mushrooms and fallen leaves, and the medium-bodied palate is supple and juicy with layer after layer of perfumed fruit. 1,630 cases were made." 95 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa shows all of the intensity of the Martinelli wines, but with an extra kick of floral overtones and acid brightness to perk things up. Cinnamon, crushed red berry, wild flowers, mint and blood orange all run through this expressive, silky Zinfandel. The blend of Jackass Hill and Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel clones on four different rootstocks, which results in different ripening cycles and harvest times, all of which translates into notable complexity in the finished wine." ...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."
Delectable Wine
Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.
The 2021 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa is a vibrant, super-expressive wine. Sweet red cherry, mint, chalk, white flowers and white pepper bring out the higher-toned side of Zinfandel. Medium in body and racy, the Giuseppe & Luisa is a real charmer. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2023)
The 2021 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa is a vibrant, super-expressive wine. Sweet red cherry, mint, chalk, white flowers and white pepper bring out the higher-toned side of Zinfandel. Medium in body and racy, the Giuseppe & Luisa is a real charmer. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2023)
9.2Brian S
Big big ZIN!
Big big ZIN!
8.9C.C. Fridlin
Excellent zin. Brought back after we visited. One of my favorite California Zins.
Excellent zin. Brought back after we visited. One of my favorite California Zins.
9.5Norman Gennaro
It’s nice and a crowd pleaser.
It’s nice and a crowd pleaser.
9.2Patrick Lunn
No idea how a 16.3% ABV wine is this smooth. Tons of crushed raspberry with a red licorice finish. Almost seems refreshing.
No idea how a 16.3% ABV wine is this smooth. Tons of crushed raspberry with a red licorice finish. Almost seems refreshing.
9.4Stephanie Lunn
Dark garnet in color with red fruit on the nose. Tastes like sweet cherry, strawberry, and a hint of tea. Finishes very smooth.
Dark garnet in color with red fruit on the nose. Tastes like sweet cherry, strawberry, and a hint of tea. Finishes very smooth.
9.2Salvator Felous
Totally impressed with this one .. and unexpected! This has depth and a joyful Rythm every time you sip and let it in .. If you actually take the time to respect it as you would with a big one .. and decant it … it will start playing music for you ! truly a gem …
Totally impressed with this one .. and unexpected! This has depth and a joyful Rythm every time you sip and let it in .. If you actually take the time to respect it as you would with a big one .. and decant it … it will start playing music for you ! truly a gem …
9.6WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.