December 3, 2021 - Starting to develop a savory note in addition to a lot of black fruit that is showing a bit of age. This wine is not too far over the hill by any means but I do feel that it is probably on the back of the hill about to take the plunge. Weedy, dense, complex red wine. Expected a little more balance here but I definitely wouldn't kick this out of bed for eating crackers. I am really impressed with this wine but wouldn't be the first bottle I would reach for on the second round.
June 1, 2016 - Somehow over the last few years I've gotten to dislike the core flavors of Martinelli zins. Same this time. Hot, weird flavors (compared to the other zin big hitters). Maybe it's just me.
February 21, 2016 - My last bottle. Decanted for 6 hours, re-bottled, then decanted for another 8 hours. The time in the decanter allowed the wine time to integrate and for the fruit to emerge into a concentrated, fat, sweet, juicy, fruity, spicy, delicious wine with a finish that goes on and on. And not a hint of heat despite its 16.5% alcohol. Next stop the 2004!
June 14, 2015 - I was surprised at how much fruit this had left. Lots of power and fruit. Maybe a little port like. It was a big hit with the wine group that I shared it with.
January 14, 2015 - A reminder of why I'm not buying Martinelli zins anymore. Matter of personal taste, i think. Wine is still in great shape for 12 years old. Given my like of Turley and Carlisle, this is different in that almost all the Martinellis I've had are jammier, hotter and have a plummy taste. Not a profile I'm enjoying. Just me.
June 17, 2013 - I normally hate high alcohol wines, and this one definitely qualifies at 16.5%. But somehow it manages to keep it integrated. The fruit is deep and rich. No tannins to speak of, but who cares. A berry bomb, packing a punch, but not too "hot" on the palate. Not my favorite style of wine, but a treat nonetheless.
June 15, 2013 - Much better second night under pump. First night a little hot, but as earlier taster noted, after a little air the hotness blows away leaving deep, well-balanced fruit. Enjoyed much more than expected, as recent bottles I've drank seemed overly pruney. This was much more along the lines of a high-end zin expected with the Martinelli Jackass name.
February 7, 2013 - Pretty good, still maintained more fruit at this point than I would have guessed. Beautiful ruby color with a nose of Strawberry and Raspberry plus a little hint of spice. Can certainly still pick up even more fruit in the taste with a definite Strawberry Jam and a little heat from the alcohol that's building as it ages. The wine has a smooth texture and finishes well, should be drank now if you still have it.
December 15, 2012 - Initially a little hot; however, after an hour the heat blew off leaving a classic Jackass Zin - fruity, rich, and bold. Drink up.
October 14, 2012 - Classic Jackass - yum!