I just had the 1994 Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel (93 points) with dinner, and it was akin to having liquefied strawberry shortcake, only dry, intoxicating, and incredibly perfumed. This wine is best drunk young, despite its lofty alcohol levels and extract. My recommendation is to consume it during its first 5-8 years of life.
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.
More and more wines made from small high quality producers such as Martinelli are being sold via a mailing list. Readers wishing to secure a bottle or two of their most limited production offerings should know what to do.
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