2003 Zinfandel Russian River Valley
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Medicinal kirsch, dark berries and pepper on the nose, along with a whiff of stoniness. Sweet and fat on the front half, then fairly tannic and tough on the back, with the peppery quality carrying through in the middle palate and on the slightly dry finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Readers should note that the label designation for this Zinfandel is “Hartford,” not “Hartford Court.” Sullivan loves the 2003 Zins since the vintage enjoyed plenty of heat at the end of the growing season, which helped the grapes attain full phenolic maturity, and the crop size was much smaller than 2002 and 2001. What I enjoy most about this offering is that Sullivan makes Zinfandel with a Pinot Noir mind-set, which seems to add to its complexity. The 2003 Zinfandel Russian River (1,545 cases) is a great effort for the price. Made from various vineyards, all averaging 80 years of age, it exhibits a sexy, up-front, raspberry, blackberry, and spice box-scented perfume, huge body, a peppery component, and a large, seductive, luscious finish with no hard edges. Tel. (800) 588-0234; Fax (800) 600-5895