Tasting Notes: Luis M Martini & Monte Rosso Vineyards, Sonoma Valley
Monte Rosso Vineyards: The wines from this vineyard are characteristic of warm, sunny, high elevation wines. Spice, elevated acid, but bold, thick, dark fruit flavors.
2008 Rancho Zabaco “Toredore” Monte Rosso Vnyd: jammy, grape preserves, prunes, maple syrup, molasses.
2007 Louis M Martini Monte Rosso Estate Cabernet: boysenberry, coffee, earth.
2007 Louis M Martini Gnarly Vine Zinfandel: spice, cherries, mulch.
These gnarly vines are over 100 years old, and while they are still kicking, they get less than two tons per acre of fruit, and that is with a bit of drip irrigation
This is the view from the highest vineyards. Monte Rosso Vineyards loom high above Sonoma Valley at about 1200 ft elevation. Iron-rich volcanic soil with a clay base dominates the vineyard, giving it a rich red hue. High in elevation, the head-trained zinfandels and VSP-trained cabernet grapes are above the fog line, receiving direct sun and a bit of irrigation. All the fruit at Monte Rosso is hand picked except young, lower elevation cabernet on less steep slopes.
