1997 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Hill

Community Tasting Notes (28) Avg Score: 92.5 points

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  9/6/2018 - Tgood wrote: 94 Points

  Cellared at 55 since acquisition on release. Dark dull ruby; espresso and cocoa w blackberry liquor - port etoh nose. Velvety rich and alcoholic. A Zin monument.

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  9/24/2017 - jazzwineman Likes this wine: 100 Points

  1997 Martinelli Jackass Hill Zinfandel – Winemaker- Helen Turley.
  
  A deep ruby/purple color and 17.5% of alcohol, but no sense of heat due to immense fruit, glycerin and sucrosity of the wine. Decanted 20 hours and could have used another 10 at a minimum.
  
  Nose is more of an explosive elixir/brandy styled intensity revealing notes of violet, lavender, smoky oak, figs, prunes, plums, roasted herbs, spice box of cardamom and cinnamon, potent deep black fruits of blackberry, blueberry and raspberry (maybe sweet kirsch liquor) with just a mild hint of eucalyptus, vanilla and brown sugar on the aromatic ending. It is highly perfumed and floral (dried roses). Nose is highly dimensional and changes on every sip
  
  Has a widely flamboyant, hedonistic, massive entry to palate. Wine has enormous force without being heavy. Very symmetrical and seamless (typical of the style of the winemaker – Helen Turley). Tannin and acidic base show harmony with velvety fruit and refinement vs. the chunky/chewy style, but immense body. Flavor shows perfect ripeness and from low, high to mid-palette, gives you all the flavors as depicted in the nose that just slip, slide and ooze around your mouth with lushness. Bright and complex. It has a transition to the finish that, while it changes, would be akin to a very creamy, mouth watery vanilla/mocha laced blackberry/blueberry liquor. Has a finish of intensity of at least 3-4 minutes and has the famed double type finish.
  
  At 20 years of age, this wine, which was in perfect condition (cork and storage), is just starting to hit its peak drinking period and will stay there for another 9-11 years before starting to slide. Blows away every other Zin I have ever had, include Jackass Hill from other vintage from 1999-on. The only one that would rival is the famed and unique 1968 Late Harvest Zin from Mayacamas. It too had higher alcohol (17%) and bone dry (despite the late harvest labeling) as well. To drink this without a long decant would be sacrilege.
  
  A momentous effort and a magnificent piece of “wine art” and the art of making wine!!!!!!!
  
  Huge cheers to Martinelli and loud/huge claps, shouts and cheers to Helen Turley!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rating – easily 100 points (plus)

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  4/11/2016 - austinbeeman- austinbeeman.com Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Finest Provenance Possible - Tasted at Winery.
  
  Exotic and lush with those aromas that are created when you pour red wine into cooking tomato sauce. Sweet potato cream. Apple pie with cinnamon. Spicy tomatillos and salsa on the finish.

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  8/23/2013 - RAD2626 wrote: 89 Points

  Good. Still some fruit. Good nose, fairly complex, cola, cherry notes. Drink up if you still have some.

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  8/11/2012 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Tasting of 3 Martinelli Jackass Hill from 1996, 1995, and 1997. Nose of plum, cassis, allspice, and a touch of fig, more of the same on the palate, medium/big body, smooth, savory, perhaps slightly past the peak, long, long finish. My #2.

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