Marr Cellars

Mattern Ranch, the source of old vine Zinfandel for this wine, is located southeast of Ukiah, on the east side of the Russian River, near Talmadge, California. Vines were planted around 1930 and more than qualify for the "old vine" distinction. The well-drained vineyard site, sloping to the west, is planted to head-pruned Zinfandel vines, which comprise 95 percent of the blend. The balance is five percent Petite Sirah.

Aged in a mix of 28.5 percent new French and American oak cooperage, the wine is simultaneously rich and full-bodied but with perceptible finesse and elegance. Aromas of toasty oak and vanilla linger over notes of black cherries, ripe black plums and black raspberries. Varietal distinction, framed by mellow and round tannins, is achieved in a panoply of dark fruit flavors, finishing with peppery spice and full, long and complex harmony.

Keep food matches simple yet moderately spicy, such as thin crust pizza with Italian sausage, grilled spicy Italian sausage with fennel or pasta kicked up with red pepper flakes in the sauce. Or just grill a burger and enjoy.

Reviewed October 31, 2007 by Eleanor & Ray Heald.