Marietta Cellars Roman Estate Zinfandel 2022

Named after Marietta's Cellarmaster, Román Cisneros, this Estate Zinfandel is from their vineyards in Alexander Valley and the McDowell Valley. Notes of white pepper and sage, enliven the core of pomegranate, cranberry and orange zest in this bright, lively Zinfandel. Breadth and darkness come through as briar patch and tobacco leaf, with flint and wet stone adding complexity. Grippy and clean on the palate, with chalk and almond underpinning the ripe strawberry, this is not your typical Zinfandel from California. Dark chocolate and crushed mint lead into drying/textured tannins for a long finish.

Wine Advocate: 92
The 2022 Román Zinfandel is a blend of 93% Zinfandel, 4% Barbera, 3% Petite Sirah. It has pure, layered scents of apricot, graham cracker, raspberry jam, mossy bark and spice. The palate is light-bodied, soft and juicy with a core of nuanced berry fruit and a mouthwatering, perfumed finish. This is ideal for spicy food!

Vinous: 92
The 2022 Román offers up scents of ripe red cherry fruit, cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, cinnamon and mint. This aromatic, deceptively medium-bodied Zinfandel is all charm. Barbera and Petite Sirah complement the blend, but Zinfandel character is very much front and center.