Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel 2018

Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel, California, USA, 2018

Grape: 85% Zinfandel & 15% Petite Sirah, aged 19 months in 56% French oak & 44% American oak

Producer Tasting Note:

Mendocino County Zinfandel begins with concentrated aromas of baking spices including; cinnamon and cloves. Those spices give way to aromas of blackberries, black currants, and dried sage. The texture is round, and the fruit expression is focused and lush. Subtle and integrated tannins accentuate the richness of the wine, while pleasant acidity keeps it fresh on the finish.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"Every couple of years, I come back to this underrated stalwart zinfandel that's been in the market for decades, offering unfailing quality for the price. Expect a fragrant ripe plum nose mixed with garrigue-like wild herbs, sweet black fruit, softish tannins, and just the right amount of acidity to keep it lively. It is old-school zinfandel miles above the commercial labels that plague the market and the reputation of the best zinfandel grapes. Short ribs, anyone? Dr. Donald Edmeades planted vines in western Mendocino in 1963, among a few centenarian vineyards that are at the center of this wine, under the considerable care of the Jackson Family Wines folks since 1988. "

89/100 points, Anthony Gismondi, Gismondi on Wine, October 2021

Edmeades is pure Mendocino. It is the authentic taste of one of California’s final viticultural frontiers — the Anderson Valley – where Dr. Edmeades planted his first 11 acres of vineyards in 1963. The approach is traditional and methods are decidedly low tech. The wines are crafted by hand with minimal intervention during each vintage, so that vineyard and varietal character enjoy full expression.

Food Match: Barbecued ribs with a smoky, sweet sauce, Italian style dishes like veal osso buco, risotto with sausage, or hearty pasta with red meat sauces, smoked cheeses