Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa 2018

Martinelli Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel 2018 is a benchmark example of old-vine-inspired California Zinfandel, combining power, ripeness, and surprising finesse. Sourced from a special Russian River Valley planting tied to the Martinelli family’s 19th-century heritage, it offers a vivid sense of place and a long family story in every glass.

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby in the glass, this wine opens with an expressive nose of raspberry compote, blood orange, strawberry, white pear, black tea, and warm vanilla. It’s generous and full-bodied on the palate, repeating those aromatic notes while adding red plum and nectarine, with a juicy, mouth-filling texture and a long, satisfying finish. Despite its richness, the wine retains a pleasing sense of balance, making it enjoyable now but also capable of developing further complexity with short-to-medium-term cellaring.

Production
The fruit comes from a Russian River Valley site rooted in the Martinelli family’s history, with plantings tracing back to cuttings from Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli’s original Zinfandel vines from the 1880s. Grapes are harvested on the ripe side to achieve the variety’s signature generosity and concentration, while careful winemaking by Courtney Wagoner preserves freshness, structure, and balance. The result is a plush, site-driven Zinfandel with both intensity and poise.

Food & Serving
This wine pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, barbecued short ribs, roast pork, smoky sausages, or hearty dishes with sweet-and-spicy elements. It also works well with aged hard cheeses and richly seasoned vegetarian plates. Serve at around 16–18°C, and decant for 30–60 minutes if you want the aromas and texture to open up fully.

Producer
Martinelli is one of California’s most respected family names, especially in Russian River Valley, where the family has farmed vineyards for generations. The estate is closely associated with historic hillside and valley-floor sites that consistently produce concentrated, characterful wines. Their Zinfandels, in particular, have earned a reputation among collectors and enthusiasts as some of the finest in the state.

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