2000 Martinelli Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel

This is my first crack at a Martinelli Zinfandel. I did expect a lot from this wine due to the high praise Martinelli receives from Robert Parker and more importantly, members of this forum.

Let’s just say I am not disappointed. This baby rocks! Of course I am a registered zinner who admittedly loves this peculiar little grape that has found a home in California. This particular bottling is from the Russian River Valley appellation and tips the scales at a whopping 17.2% alcohol. It was served in Lenox Grand Bordeaux glasses and was not decanted.

Appearance: Deep rich and dark purple. You can’t see much light through it. It first leaves a sheet on the glass then it slowly develops multiple thin legs.

Nose: Deep rich blackberries. It does smell a touch hot but not unpleasantly so.

Taste: Thick and full bodied, it just looks heavy when you swirl it in the glass. On the palate it is soft and thick without being really heavy. This wine is at the perfect state of ripeness, sweet and jammy but not the least bit overripe or stewed. The fruit is beautiful. I can taste mouth-coating loads of dark blackberries and some smoky overtones; it’s thick and gives up tons of sweet glycerin. I am sitting here tasting this wine and it is just a massive sweet, concentrated glass of Zinfandel. The alcohol is present but does not seem to distract from this wine in any way. I wish I had a couple of cases of this stuff. I’m not sure what to pair with this; I think I would prefer it by itself as a world-class dessert.

Finish: Long and beautiful. It lasts a full minute. I actually had to force myself to stop sipping it so I could get an accurate time on the finish.

All in all, this one does live up to the hype. Tell everyone it sucks so they will pass on the mailer. Maybe that way I can get some of the Jackass Hill. If this is the second in the order of quality, the JH must be one hell of a wine. As it stands, I’m considering having my aunt, uncle, brother and pets sign up for the mailer just so I can get a few more bottles of this allocated my way. I can’t wait for the 2001.

GA points 94-95

Glad to hear it, GA. I've got four of them and plan on opening the first one soon.

GA- I just picked up 4 of these on auction and am thrilled to hear your TN's. I'm on the mailer for Martinelli G & L and based on everything else I've had from them felt pretty confident the Jackass would live up to expectations.

Can't wait to open one.

If you like the G&L, you'll love the Jackass. Had both last week. The Jackass just seems a tad thicker in the body and viscosity.