Maple Vineyards is one of the most acclaimed zinfandel producing properties in Sonoma County. The Maple Family were the proprietors and farmed this old-vine vineyard and the results produced amazing quality. They turned the reins over to David Rafanelli, another incredible zinfandel farmer that Scott and Lynn Adams partner with at this acclaimed site.

The 2019 Bella Maple Vineyards zinfandel is another example of wine made in the classic Dry Creek style. Initially the aromas were restrained but as the wine opened the aromatics gained momentum with expressions of brambly fruit, on the jammy side, blackberry, ripe raspberry, dried flowers, and a hint of eucalyptus. On the palate, the fruit is juicy with good texture, gritty tannins and a good amount of acidity that carries through to a long, impressive finish. The 2019 Bella Maple Vineyard Zinfandel deserves a few years in the cellar to gain more balance, soften the tannins and show more of what this beautifully made zinfandel is all about.

By Perry Miroballi