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2021 Malm Cellars "Harris Kratka Vineyard" Zinfandel 75cl 14.9% ABV
USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley AVA
Varietal: Zinfandel
Color: deep ruby.
Nose: black currants, cedar nuts, mint, eucalyptus, vanilla, freshly ground pepper, hibiscus tea, nail polish remover, raspberries, leather, cloves, melon, apricots, and a hint of fried bacon. Quite vibrant.
Taste: chocolate, pronounced tannins, tart cherries, blueberries, black chokeberries, pepper, orange zest, and licorice.
Finish: cranberries, strawberries, cocoa, noticeable pepper, tannins, sweet cherry cola, tea, red currants, and licorice. Somewhat inconsistent, lacking balance between sweetness and acidity.
Score: 8 ¾. Better than good. +2+2+1.
Conclusion: a recognizable and highly enjoyable Zin from Malm Cellars, though this time with a somewhat disappointing finish that could potentially improve with time. 88/100. Recently had the 2019 vintage, which was a bit better. Haven’t come across Malm’s 2020 Zinfandel yet; that year, wildfires raged particularly fiercely in Northern California, rendering many wines smoke-tainted and unsellable. Not sure if their vineyards were affected.
USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley AVA
Varietal: Zinfandel
Color: deep ruby.
Nose: black currants, cedar nuts, mint, eucalyptus, vanilla, freshly ground pepper, hibiscus tea, nail polish remover, raspberries, leather, cloves, melon, apricots, and a hint of fried bacon. Quite vibrant.
Taste: chocolate, pronounced tannins, tart cherries, blueberries, black chokeberries, pepper, orange zest, and licorice.
Finish: cranberries, strawberries, cocoa, noticeable pepper, tannins, sweet cherry cola, tea, red currants, and licorice. Somewhat inconsistent, lacking balance between sweetness and acidity.
Score: 8 ¾. Better than good. +2+2+1.
Conclusion: a recognizable and highly enjoyable Zin from Malm Cellars, though this time with a somewhat disappointing finish that could potentially improve with time. 88/100. Recently had the 2019 vintage, which was a bit better. Haven’t come across Malm’s 2020 Zinfandel yet; that year, wildfires raged particularly fiercely in Northern California, rendering many wines smoke-tainted and unsellable. Not sure if their vineyards were affected.
