2021 Zinfandel Cortina
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Tasting notes
Full bottle just 1,246 g. Named for the relevant gravelly loam in which most of this Zin was grown, in Chen's Vineyard planted by the Seghesio family in 1972 – good for them, just before the Cabernet boom? Cooled by morning fog and afternoon breezes. Their finest expression of Dry Creek Zin, apparently. Quite a dark crimson. Again, that 'meaty' nose with soft, round, juicy fruit and fully ripe tannins. A wine offering a huge amount of pleasure. Top note of spice. Great balance and the high alcohol is not too obvious. Though the tannins still on the finish call for food! (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Aged for 14 months in oak (13% new). Indulgent overripe black fruit on the nose with sweet aniseed complexity – yes it's boisterous, but not confected, for me at least. Gives the impression of sweetness on the finish, making this a very handy style to match with dishes that have lots of chilli. The ultimate Tex-Mex wine? (RH)
The 2021 Zinfandel Cortina is more forward with aromas of leather, menthol, and black cherry compote. Full bodied, with mixed fruits, ripe tannins, more turned earth, and meaty richness, it can be enjoyed over the next couple years.