2016 Handley Cellars Zinfandel, Mendocino Ridge, Redwood Valley
Tasting Notes
The first vineyards planted in the Anderson Valley region were planted by Italian immigrants bringing along with them traditions from their homeland. Zinfandel, Primitivo, Petite Sirah, Alicante, and Carignane were planted in field blends hoping that at least one would be successful to always have a supply of wine for the table. These vineyards survived prohibition by making sacramental wine and providing retreats for city folk. Many of these pioneer vineyards still exist in the Mendocino Ridge appellation. Warm days and cold nights allow these varietals to survive at elevations that would not ripen in the valley. These wines have an incredible high-tone fruity character with a noticeable acid backbone. This blend has small amounts of Petite Sirah (12.5%) and Syrah (6.25%) to add some complexity and fleshiness.
Aromas of brambly berries, toasty caramel, hints of chestnut, and saddle leather. Warm and inviting on the palate with dark boysenberry, black plum, tar, sage, and anise. Full-on the palate with cleansing acidity to focus the long finish.
Specs
Varietal Blend: 81.25% Zinfandel, 12.5% Petite Sirah, 6.25% Syrah
Handley Cellars is a small, family-owned winery in California’s Mendocino County. Bonded in 1982, we produce around 9000 cases of wine a year. Our quality starts with our CCOF Certified Organic Estate Vineyards in Anderson Valley. We are located at the northwest end of the Anderson Valley on 59 acres of the original Guntly Ranch. Still standing on the property are the now-refurbished ranch house, plus the barn and water tower, all of which were constructed in the early 20th century.
Founding Winemaker Milla Handley sought to make balanced wines that possess distinctive varietal characteristics and reflect the soil and climate in which they were grown. Our current winemaker, Randy Schock, carries on this tradition, crafting elegant, fruit-driven wines which complement a wide variety of cuisines. Milla’s daughter Lulu now runs Handley Cellars, with the help of her husband Scott Handley and their baby son Golden.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
I opened this bottle on Monday and let it breathe for a few hours while I wrapped up my workday. The first sniffs were of very bold cherry which persisted when I went back to pour a glass later. The first glass was quite chewy and dark in the glass. It’s a deep, dark, red color. I found it perfectly dry and full of delicious peppery berry flavor. I paired it with spicy sausage spaghetti for day one and it not only held its own but elevated the meal.
I recorked it overnight and tried it again last night. The initial bite that hit me in glass one had mellowed; on day two it was smooth. The cherry smell was now joined with notes of leather and spice. I enjoy peppery zin and this one is definitely up my alley. I look forward to having the last glass of it tonight but I’ll be sad to see it gone (although, at $13/bottle, I should probably grab a case).
Labrat chiming in!
I received this bottle late due to a shipping issue so am scrambling to taste and jot down notes. Apologies for the quick notes.
Nose: dark fruits, plum, dark cherry.
Palate: dark fruits with leather and some spice/pepper continue through the first few sips. There is a nice acidity, and tannins are present but not pronounced.
This is an easy drinking zinfandel blend that I think is a good grab at the case price.
hi Casemates! just wanted to pop in and say hi! Thanks for all the kinds works about our wine and winery and I’m here for any questions or just to chat!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Handley Cellars Zinfandel - $50 = 23.79%
Big fan of Handley Pinot Noirs and enjoyed a bottle of their Anderson Valley Chardonnay recently. Never tried their Zin but would expect it to be very good as well and the rat reports seem to bear that out. If I hadn’t just taken delivery on a case of D-Cubed Zin, I’d be looking for 'mates.
2016 Handley Cellars Zinfandel, Mendocino Ridge, Redwood Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$302.40/Case for 12x 2016 Handley Cellars Mendocino Ridge Zinfandel at Handley Cellars
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Feb 28 - Friday, Mar 4
Handley Cellars Zinfandel
4 bottles for $69.99 $17.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $159.99 $13.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Interesting blend with the PS and Syrah in there, I’m guessing to give it more fullness. Bring on the rats.
@deadlyapp Handley does some nice stuff but never had their zin. Interested as well in some rattage.
I opened this bottle on Monday and let it breathe for a few hours while I wrapped up my workday. The first sniffs were of very bold cherry which persisted when I went back to pour a glass later. The first glass was quite chewy and dark in the glass. It’s a deep, dark, red color. I found it perfectly dry and full of delicious peppery berry flavor. I paired it with spicy sausage spaghetti for day one and it not only held its own but elevated the meal.
I recorked it overnight and tried it again last night. The initial bite that hit me in glass one had mellowed; on day two it was smooth. The cherry smell was now joined with notes of leather and spice. I enjoy peppery zin and this one is definitely up my alley. I look forward to having the last glass of it tonight but I’ll be sad to see it gone (although, at $13/bottle, I should probably grab a case).
@origamipenguins Thank you for the report
Looks like the last time I had Handley was back in '09 on the old site when I bought the Handley Cellars White Sampler Three - Pack
Fantastic winery to visit on your way to Mendocino. Easy access from 128 and the hosts are both knowledgeable and gracious!
One of the best wineries in that region!! Auto-buy!!!
Labrat chiming in!
I received this bottle late due to a shipping issue so am scrambling to taste and jot down notes. Apologies for the quick notes.
Nose: dark fruits, plum, dark cherry.
Palate: dark fruits with leather and some spice/pepper continue through the first few sips. There is a nice acidity, and tannins are present but not pronounced.
This is an easy drinking zinfandel blend that I think is a good grab at the case price.
Cheers!
Timnath
@timnath thanks for the report
@Winedavid49, you had me at 12.5% PS …
/giphy limber-yellow-writer
Jack Handley.
hi Casemates! just wanted to pop in and say hi! Thanks for all the kinds works about our wine and winery and I’m here for any questions or just to chat!
@LuluHandley Thanks Lulu! i’ve been a huge fan of Handley from way back. welcome!
@Winedavid49 thank you! so fun to connect with people who’ve known us a while. 2022 is our 40th anniversary
@LuluHandley @Winedavid49
Congrats on 40th!
@LuluHandley My case just arrived, and it’s delicious. How long do you think it can be cellared?
In for a case
/giphy equable-incognito-mimosa
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Handley Cellars Zinfandel - $50 = 23.79%
Big fan of Handley Pinot Noirs and enjoyed a bottle of their Anderson Valley Chardonnay recently. Never tried their Zin but would expect it to be very good as well and the rat reports seem to bear that out. If I hadn’t just taken delivery on a case of D-Cubed Zin, I’d be looking for 'mates.