“The vision behind Artezin is to honor the art of making Zinfandel from old vine plantings and to work with family-owned farms throughout Mendocino and Sonoma Counties.”

2016 Artezin Zinfandel Mendocino County USA

This wine is crafted of 85% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, and 5% Carignan.

It poured a deep ruby with purple hues in the glass. Pronounced aromas of baked black and red fruit, black pepper, candied violets, baking spice, red licorice, tobacco, and vanilla billow from the glass. This full body wine wraps the palate in crushed velvet and coats the palate in spice notes with a long black pepper finish. It is well balanced with high acidity and medium+ tannins that are youthful yet smooth. This zin presents a 14.5% abv, yet it feels higher on the tongue.

100% barrel aged in predominately French oak.

Fans of the classic California style full body Zinfandels will enjoy this wine. Although I prefer a lighter Zin I served it with grilled lamb rib chops and thoroughly enjoyed it. My husband loved this wine. We enjoyed another glass the second night. Oxygen served it well, as it had relaxed a bit.

This wine works well with fat and protein. Serve it with hearty red meats such as lamb chops, bison burgers, or wild boar ragu.

“Artezin Mendocino County Zinfandel represents a blend of the best sustainably farmed grapes from family-owned vineyards in the ridgelines and benchlands of the Ukiah Valley.”

SRP $18

*Sample; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Part of the Hess Family Wine Estates.

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