Limerick Lane 2021 Zinfandel Banfield Russian River Valley 97 Points

Vinous 97 Points: “The 2021 Zinfandel Banfield Vineyard, from a site on Martinelli Road planted in 1880, is packed with varietal character. Muscular tannins wrap around a core of black fruit, licorice, spice, dried herbs and graphite. This virile, imposing Zinfandel packs quite the punch. I would cellar it for at least af ew years. Impressive.”

Winemaker Notes: “Planted in the 1880’s Banfield is truly one of the Russian River’s most historic sites.  Contiguous to and formerly a part of probably Russian River’s most famous Zinfandel vineyard, Banfield’s history is long and storied. Yet, the real story with Banfield is the undeniable and utter jaw-dropping quality of the fruit and ensuing wines.  Located on the western edge of the Russian River appellation, Banfield sits in a narrow canyon on a steep hillside that mingles sunshine, fog, and rocks in an incredibly unusual manner.  The resulting wines have insane levels of acid and are able to not only hold the gorgeous red fruit flavors but they also age incredibly as well.  This is one of the most exceptional and historic sites from a region whose pioneering Zinfandel history has largely been replaced with varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  It is a complete honor to work with this fruit and produce wines of such caliber from a vineyard the likes of this.  Only 98 cases were produced.  ”