2012 Radio-Coteau Zinfandel Lemorel

The 2012 Zinfandel Lemorel Estate is sourced from vineyards planted in 1937 and 1946. A wine of impact, the 2012 possesses huge intensity and tons of fruit allied to bright, salivating acidity, qualities that will allow it to age gracefully for many years. Pomegranate, dark cherries, spices and tobacco hit the palate in a Zinfandel full of personality and character. Zinfandel can get a little lost in this lineup, but readers should not miss out on the Lemorel; it is superb.

The 2012 Zinfandel Lemorel comes from a dry-farmed, head-pruned vineyard planted in 1937 and 1946. It was aged 20 months in one-third new French oak pungeons and the rest in neutral barrels. Impressively rich with tart acids buttressing the briery, black and red fruits, this is a surprisingly elegant and stylish Zinfandel that has a Pinot Noir sensitivity. Consume it over the next 3-4 years. Eric Sussman has always done a terrific job with Zinfandel.

Opaque ruby. Spicy raspberry, licorice and minerals on the intensely perfumed nose. Lively, precise and juicy on the palate, with flavors of red fruit liqueur, spicecake and anise. Picks up weight and sweetness with air while maintaining impressive vivacity and focus. Finishes very long, with slow-building tannins and excellent clarity, the red fruit and mineral notes repeating. This vineyard is owned by Sussman and the vines were planted in 1937 and 1946. (JR)