The Mantra for your lips!
April 20, 2007
Our good friend Mike Kuimelis, winemaker and owner
of Mantra in the upper reaches of Sonoma's Alexander
Valley, stopped by to cheer us up with his new releases on this week's
lowly tax day. For new readers to this e-mail, it was three vintages
ago my radar first picked up Mantra
wines. As in past vintages, his 2005 Zinfandel Reserve was
again the obvious standout of the lineup, and it will again serve
as the store's reference point for this varietal and
region. The fruit for Mike's charmer comes from 65 year old
vines planted at the north end of the Mayacamas range at the 1,100 foot
level. There is a smattering of old Petite Sirah
vines in the field blend that probably account for about 3-4% of the
composition. The grapes are handsorted,
destemmed, and spend one week in a cold soak at 50 F,
before undergoing an indigeous yeast whole berry fermentation. These
practices help to explain why this special Mantra Zinfandel Reserve is bursting from the seams
with vibrant aromas and flavors of fresh picked, ripe berry
cobbler. Mike's judicious use of American, Hungarian and French
oak cooperage (30% new) for about 15 months adds what seems like a
nice dollop of vanillin-devonshire cream to round off the
tannins. The well bred 2005 Mantra Zinfandel Reserve wins immediate
style points for its patented grace and polish; but a
closer appraisal will show plenty of substance to go head to toe
with the very best of its kind. 500 cases were produced and just
released so there is ample opportunity, but for a short window of time to
purchase.
$27.50 a bottle.
NOW, FOR A LIMITED TIME - $25.95 FOR
A 6+ BOTTLES OR $24.60 FOR 12+ BOTTLES. - ORDER BY REPLYING TO THIS
E-MAIL!
AVAILABLE TO SAMPLE AT THE
TASTING BAR THIS SATURDAY!
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