2021 Boatman Zinfandel

Nose of raspberry, red cherry, fig, flowers, black tea and pepper. Savory black olive, plum and milk chocolate on the palate with a lingering finish. SR (12/22)

A dry winter left the vines searching for water, which created just enough stress to produce beautifully concentrated grapes. Of seven parcels harvested, five were chosen for their abundant fruit and sumptuous mouthfeel. This classic expression of zinfandel is enjoyable now and will continue to develop over the next six years. SR (12/22)

Tim Boatman’s grandparents, Emilia and Eugene Moretti, emigrated from the mountain town of San Pellegrinetto, Italy in the early 1900s. In 1935, Emilia and Eugene were able to acquire this fifty acre ranch that sits in the hills on the border of Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. Eugene used the property for wood cutting and when he passed away he left the property to Tim’s mother and uncle. Tim purchased the property from them in the mid-sixties, when he was only nineteen years old. In 1972, Tim Boatman planted fifteen acres of zinfandel on the steep hillsides that surround his house. The rocky, east-facing terraces are ideal for growing intense, concentrated fruit.

Rainfall: 14 inches (below normal)
Bloom: Early May
Weather: A dry winter and spring stressed the vines, limiting yields and concentrating flavors.

Harvest Dates: 30 August – 1 September
Grapes: Average Brix 26.7˚
TA: 5.55 g/L
pH: 3.74
Fermentation: Natural primary and natural secondary (malolactic) fermentations; seven vineyard blocks fermented separately.
Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (10% new, and 90% five plus years old).
Aging: Fourteen months in barrel

Sustainably farmed, hand-harvested grapes; destemmed and crushed; fermented on the native yeasts, followed by full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; 1% water adidtion; tartaric acid added; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective sulfur for this wine (35 ppm at crush; 71 ppm over the course of aging); pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

Zinfandel Chronicles: 95 Points “Crimson in color. 15% ABV. 90% Zinfandel and 10% Petite Sirah from Boatman Ranch in Geyserville. Brilliant nose of red and black fruits, apricots and licorice. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Exceptionally smooth and balanced. Black cherry, raspberry, earth and white pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Approachable now but this will certainly age well. Best over the next 5-7 years.” -Tom Lee (March 2024)

JebDunnuck.com: 94 Points “Coming from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, the 2021 Zinfandel Boatman checks in as 90% Zinfandel and 10% Petite Sirah. The Petite Sirah plays a solid role here and gives it darker, richer style than many of the Zinfandels in the lineup, particularly from the Santa Cruz Mountain. Ripe black fruits, candied violets, wild strawberries, incense, and brambly, herbes de Provence-like notes all shine here, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a broad, layered mouthfeel and outstanding length. It’s a smoking good Zinfandel to enjoy over the coming decade.” -Jeb Dunnuck (August 2024)

Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points “Dark and rich, this Zin (with 10% Petite Sirah) gives an array of reduced and concentrated berry aromas on the nose, alongside whispers of black pepper, creosote and bitter chocolate. The palate leans into flavors of black plum, leather and tobacco before a richly tannic finish. Drink 2028–2038.” -Tom Capo (June 2024)

The Wine Advocate: 92 Points “The 2021 Zinfandel Boatman comes from vines planted in the 1950s and 1960s and was blended with 10% Petite Sirah. It demands plenty of air to reveal aromas of wild berries, peach, tea leaves and bergamot. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with wild berry flavors, and earthy layers add complexity. It’s framed by mouthwatering acidity and silky tannins and has a long, detailed finish. It will be long lived in the cellar.” -Erin Brooks (September 2024)

Vinous Media: 91 Points “Hailing from the Alexander Valley, the 2021 Zinfandel Boatman also includes 10% Petite Sirah. This is decidedly more savory and rustic than some of the many fruit-forward Zinfandels in the lineup, certainly a function of the higher percentage of Petite in the blend. Turned earth, damp leaves and tobacco lead off, supported by a base layer of fresh and dried berry fruit that toes the line of overripeness. Bright cherry and citrus flavors (like a savory cherry-limeade) linger on the chalky finish. There’s a lot to like here, but it would be even better with a touch more freshness.” -Billy Norris (October 2024)

Average Rating: 90

No. of Tasting Notes: 15

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