The 2022 Messana Zinfandel has been a pleasure to shepherd through
the cellar. From the ethereal cocoa notes wafting up from the fermenta-
tion, to the focused fruit and miner- ality it developed through aging. The beauty of the nearly purple, opaque garnet color of this limited release wine always stuns the observer. The nose offers cherry compote, vanilla bean, limestone, and cedar. Silky on the palate, with a slightly leathery pol-ished texture, the wine highlights berry fruits, intriguing subtle minerality and spice, finishing with lingering bright fruit notes and woody tones. This lovely wine is balanced with elegantly structured tannins and a bright but proportional acidity. The wine is enjoyable now, however with some patience will develop additional com-
plex flavors and textures with added cellar aging.