93 pts — CellarTracker Community Average
WHY WE CHOSE THIS WINE
Limerick Lane is a 53-acre estate in the northeast corner of the Russian River Valley — an appellation far better known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay — that has quietly built one of California's most compelling Zinfandel programs. The estate's position, where soil, water levels, rocks, sunshine, wind, and fog converge with rare precision, creates conditions the winery describes as so distinctive it could be its own sub-appellation. The 2022 Russian River Valley Zinfandel blends estate fruit from Squatters Hill with old-vine selections from Maffei, Monto Rosso, and Banfield — a blend-first approach that showcases the whole of the region. Bottled after 11 months, it is the quintessential Russian River Valley Zinfandel: darker-fruited and balanced, without the jamminess that undermines lesser examples.
TASTING NOTES
Gentle red currant and stony minerality on the nose, with notes of red plum, black pepper, cedar, and black tea. The palate is focused and food-friendly, with lively acidity and dusty tannins that linger on a clean, dry finish. A Zinfandel built for the table — grilled lamb, smoked brisket, or a September evening around an outdoor fire.