Marietta Cellars

Angeli Zinfandel 2018

Alexander Valley, California

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Once a component of the Angeli Cuvée, this Zinfandel long stood out for its brilliance, clarity, and leanness. Now, showcased on its own, it speaks volumes about this unique little canyon off Alexander Valley known as Angeli Ranch. The halo-like image on the label pays homage to Viola Angeli, who sold the Angeli Ranch to Chris Bilbro in an angelic act that mirrors her name.

The estate series from Marietta is made with terroir in mind above all else. For many years these sites were included in blends, though they routinely stood out as extraordinary. These wines are true expressions of unique sites, crafted with freshness, tension and longevity in mind.

Vineyard

The Angeli Ranch was sold to Chris Bilbro in 1990 by Viola Angeli, whose family had originally settled the land in 1886. When Viola was ready to sell the property, she offered it to Chris Bibro because he had purchased the grapes from the ranch for many years and always visited with Viola regularly. 35 acres of vineyards connect gravel swales from the Russian River to terraced knolls invisible from the valley floor. The Angeli Zinfandel takes its name from the homesteading family and exemplifies the cool effect of these unique vineyards in a bright, tense, and stony expression of Zinfandel.

Winemaking

A unique approach of cool fermentations and 12 months of neutral barrel aging emphasize freshness in the Angeli Zinfandel.

Vintage

The 2018 Harvest was a grower’s dream, but it was not without its exciting moments. Spring rains encouraged healthy roots and set up great canopies. The fruit set and cluster development did not disappoint. Then August and September clocked in as mild, bordering on cool. Quite a bit of lovely, perfectly ripe fruit was harvested in September. Early October rains soaked the second half of the crop and elicited fears of rot and lost fruit as more storms lined up. Miraculously, the storms failed to materialize, allowing for a long, dry October and November with beautiful sunny days which slowly ripened the remaining crop. Long seasons like these allow early tannin maturation while the cool weather protects the acid…. all leading to developed, powerful tannins with bright acid at lower than typical brix. To top it off, it was a banner crop year!

Tasting Note

From the Angeli vineyard in Alexander Valley, this is pure Zinfandel. These vines are grown in a large gravel swale that was the former Russian River prior to streambed migration. July and August fires blew straight east from Mendocino and there was no exposure in Alexander Valley. The rainy, late start to the season and cool summer temperatures meant harvest started on September 19, the latest in years. The slow season meant great tannin and color at early Brix. Harvested at multiple Brix levels between 23.5 and 25, this wine balances white pepper, tart pomegranate, and silky opulence while still feeling focused and linear.

Food Pairing

An excellent foil to charred scallions, leg of lamb, and rosemary-scented potatoes, or as a more sturdy accompaniment to a creamy chocolate dessert.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Zinfandel

Appellation

Alexander Valley, California

Farming

The Angeli Zinfandel 2018 is made from 100% estate fruit, all of which is organically farmed

Alcohol

14.7%

Suggested Retail Price

$37

Reviews

"Dark, sumptuous and super-expressive"

Vinous (91-94) - February 11, 2021 "Marietta's 2018 Zinfandel Angeli is dark, sumptuous and super-expressive. Inky dark plum, blueberry, mint, spice, lavender and licorice infuse the 2018 with striking depth and character. Readers will find a powerful Zinfandel with the structure and personality to age gracefully for many years."   

"Overdelivers on its price point"

Wine Enthusiast - February 11, 2021 Editors Choice "With Petite Sirah and Syrah, this red impresses and overdelivers on its price point, packing in tons of textured, supple flavor and juicy acidity. Full bodied, it brims in brambly blackberry, cherry and plum, with a lasting sweetness of vanilla and baking spice."   

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

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