2020 Lapis Luna Zinfandel

A striking label for this Californian bottle of joy. Zinfandel plays a much more important role over in the Golden State than it does here and provides wines of many styles. This one has 20% Sangiovese included (here, that would need to be noted on the label but different rules apply). From the North Coast/Mendocino region, the wine sees a mix of French and American oak, 10% new. The fruit is destemmed before fermentation, with twice daily pumpovers. Maceration ranges from two to four weeks with a further maturation period of ten months. Deep purple hue, we have a nose of spices, mulberries and dried herbs with touched of smoked meats weaved throughout. The flavours are very much upfront here, with a pleasing vibrancy. With mid length, but always emphasising its rich flavours, drink now for three to four years

This unique take on Californian Zinfandel, topped up with Sangiovese, offers the raw power you’d expect from the US of A but also manages to retain a degree of subtlety. It opens up as you’d expect with a deep colour and lashings of blackberry, chocolate and plum jam which are lifted by violets and dried herbs. There is an initial decadence of mouth filling liquorice flavour before rustic tannins provide shape and backbone to a strong finish. Fans of big Barossan Shiraz will not be disappointed.