Our exclusive partnership with Ermitage Cooperage has given Winemaker Mark Mazzoni specifically chosen barrels for our Estate-Grown Reserve Zinfandel program. The 2020 Reserve Zinfandel levels up with 20% new French Oak barrels, 80% Neutral Oak, aged 18 months. This Zinfandel is layered and inherently complex and it’s just getting started. On the nose, the oak leads to raspberry, toffee, and graphite. Its brooding structure starts on the palette as pluot and fruit compote leading way to candied bacon, charred meat, and a slightly malty finish. An age- worthy wine to enjoy decanted now or many years to come.
Winemaking
The Reserve Zinfandel 18 Months 80% Neutral, 20% New French Oak.
Specs
Vintage: 2020
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
Fermentation: 100% Concrete
Alcohol.: 14.4%
Winemaker: Mark Mazzoni
2019 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
Tasting Notes
The richer more dense style of our estate Zinfandel. Mark concentrated the juice by 20% (Releasing 20% of the Juice in the Concrete Tank one day into the fermentation process) and adding 20% new French Oak into his barrel regimen. The nose is rich with blueberry, fresh oregano, white pepper, and a touch of black walnut rounding it out. Immediately a full palate of plum and blueberry fruits come across leading to clove and allspice. The new French oak adds layers to the finish with caramel toast and a hint of vanilla letting the wine linger with pleasure.
Winemaking
The Reserve Zinfandel 18 Months 80% Neutral, 20% New French Oak.
Specs
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
Fermentation: 100% Concrete
Alcohol.: 14.4%
Winemaker: Mark Mazzoni
2018 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Reserve Zinfandel from Winemaker Mark Mazzoni has a lower juice-to-skin ratio allowing the flavors and color to pull from the skins as the wine ferments in our concrete tanks. This intentional fermentation technique provides the dense and rich style that Mark looks for when making a Reserve. To balance the richness, this wine is aged in 20% new French Oak providing a whiff of toast to complement the aromas of blue fruit, Italian spices, Brule, marjoram, vanilla, and toffee. A full mouthfeel with black plum, black cherry, fresh oregano, caramel, bacon, and a long finish of pepper lead to well-balanced tannins. Drinking amazing now but an ageable Zinfandel that will hold well in your cellar.
Winemaking
The Reserve Zinfandel 18 Months 80% Neutral, 20% New French Oak.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
Fermentation: 100% Concrete
Alcohol.: 14.4%
Winemaker: Mark Mazzoni
Mazzoni Vineyard
Since 1931 - Discover our stunning 120-acre estate in Alexander Valley, nestled between the Russian River and the Mayacama Mountains. With 100 acres of meticulously farmed land, our vineyard boasts some of the finest varietals in the region. Our iconic Zinfandel vines, spanning 20 acres and dating back to 1905, are meticulously propagated and known as the esteemed “Mazzoni Clone,” a pre-prohibition Heritage Zinfandel clone. We also cultivate 1.5 acres of Sauvignon Blanc with classic Clone 1 cuttings and 6 acres of Sangiovese for our exceptional rosé program, flourishing in the vineyard’s loam foothill soil. For a taste of history, explore our Cappella Block, a 2.5-acre parcel inspired by the Italian Swiss Colony ‘communal’ wine. It features non-irrigated, head-trained vines comprised of Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Carignan, and Alicante Bouchet. Anchoring our vineyard, 70 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon thrive, primarily utilizing Clone 7.
What’s Included
3-bottles:
1x 2020 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
1x 2019 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
1x 2018 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley Case:
4x 2020 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
4x 2019 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
4x 2018 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
Surrounded by Zinfandel and Cabernet vineyards, Zialena is a modern Alexander Valley oasis offering immersive tasting experiences at our stunning property that explores our estate-driven portfolio of wines produced entirely on-site.
Our land is the heart of our family, our wines the legacy, and our concrete fermentation tanks the distinction.
Named for our Aunt (Zia) Lena who was known for her warm hospitality and famous ravioli, Zialena is a family legacy presently nurtured by siblings Mark and Lisa Mazzoni. With a rich history dating back over a century, our Geyserville estate has been stewarded by four generations.
To us, Zialena is the alchemy of family legacy, meticulously farmed estate vineyards, and the unique concrete fermentation process of seasoned winemaker Mark Mazzoni, all working together to cultivate wines of integrity and intention.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Thank you for the compliment! In order to grow the brand in this competitive market we have distributed some of our library wines into ecommerce sites. Current release wines are only available at the winery or through our store! I encourage you to grab a bottle and taste!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Zialena Reserve Zinfandel Vertical - $80 = 28.56%
I had a bottle of the Zialena Estate Zinfandel Geyserville Alexander Valley 2019 last weekend. I gave it a thumbs up. It’s lighter than you might expect from a Zin but it had good structure and a good bit of acid. We did ribs on the smoker and it was very good. Juicy and went well with the brown sugar and spices in the rub.
Really eying this offering but the 2020 makes me nervous because there was a lot of smoke that year.
@lionel47 I bought a smattering of cab and zin from a website that shall not be named, I’ve only popped a bottle of the regular 2018 zin. Similar notes to yours
there is no smoke taint present in these wines they were thoroughly tested before releasing and continue to be reviewed by staff. Trust they are wonderful and like most producers, the winery will replace any bad bottles should one arise.
@Zialena_Winery thanks for the re-assurance. I have to admit I have been nervous since a mystery case debacle that had me pouring an entire case down the drain. Yes, I am still bitter about that one.
@lionel47@Zialena_Winery Thanks for chiming in…actually in your neck of the woods, not you specifically, would 2019, Kincade been more challenging for fire?
@kaolis@lionel47 indeed, the Kincaid Fire started in Geyserville. Our winemaker and owner Mark Mazzoni had to scale a river to get to the winery and work with a headlamp to delestage the wine that was in tank. From the outside looking in you can’t tell the difference in winemaking style, but the vintage is remarkable to those who had to vinify during those hectic times.
Lab Rat Here! 2019 vintage.
I was thrilled to get to be a lab rat this time. I was a bit worried when I saw Zin, because I’m not a big burly wine fan, but then I saw the back label and that it was grown by the Mazzonis , who are legend growers in Sonoma.
I cooled it down a bit in the fridge for about 30m, and then opened it for about 30m.
As soon as I saw the color I was excited that this might be a Zin I would really like, and it was so. It was not big and burly and gravely and all those other “extras” that Zin can sometime be. It was smooth, aromatic, elegant and very drinkable.
Dark Ruby in color but not black and dense. The aromatics were typical zin brambly fruits, with some cocoa and maybe a bit of herb. On the palate, it drank very “clean” - smooth, with an almost heavy-pinot weight.
Flavors echo’d the nose, brambly fruits prominent but again, very elegant and clean on the palate, smooth finish, the alcohol was not “there there”. We paired it with a grilled skirt steak and it went really well and I’m glad I brought down the temp just a bit. This is a very nice wine!
for the 2020
Wine fault. Musty, mildew on the nose and flat on the palate with a lingering medicinal taste. No change overnight. The cork looks fine, the wine is clear, color maintained to the edge. Hopefully there’s another rat. Nonetheless I appreciate the opportunity to participate.
@Zialena_Winery That is very gracious of you to offer to send a replacement, but not necessary. The purpose of the lab rat bottles are to help people better understand the wine and consider a purchase. The other 2 vintage reviews are very favorable. I expect the community will be confident to purchase. Again, thanks.
Thanks to Alice, as always it’s a treat to get the golden ticket email!
The label is elegant, understated, and has just the relevant information, easy to read. I prefer this kind of label over some busier ones. The wine has a foil capsule, which came off easily and a standard cork.
Obligatory back label:
Upon opening, aromas of bramble and vanilla, some dark fruits. Nothing dried or raisiny, which I take a as a good sign for 6 year old juice labeled reserve.
In the glass, the wine is a pale-medium ruby – quite clear with no bricking.
First sip shows a medium body, some dark fruit with a bright cherry overtone. It comes across as high alcohol, so I checked the bottle and sure enough, 14.9% on the label. Some definite tannin structure, but not overpowering. The finish is dry, but not cloying, and extends for a good second or two.
After 10 minutes, the alcohol has mellowed a bit as have the tannins, though both are still present. The bramble is more forward, vanilla more prominent, as well as cloves and black pepper. I thoroughly enjoy it. Concentrating a bit and I think there may be hints of green, vegetal, which seems weird for a zin, but it’s not unpleasant, and adds to the wine complexity.
Overall, this is quite a nice adolescent zin. I expect it will continue to age well for another 5+ years at least, before peaking. (to my tastes)
From Michelle - Earthy smell? Not bad on first sip. Smooth and easy. Fruity? Maybe? Some tannins. I like it less as it opens. But I typically don’t love zin. It’s not bad though. I’d probably have a glass if Joel bought and served it. Goes well with the cottage pie we’re having for dinner. Has a spice, almost cinnamon-esque? The 9 year old doesn’t like the drying of her mouth from the tannin.
(note – Michelle drank a full glass, which is saying something. She does not usually prefer any zins and will put them aside after a few sips)
Back here to add that we finished the 2019 lab rat bottle last night and it held up well, was still drinking well with good, full smooth flavors and good acid. As an industry person, I’m not a fan of the labeling term, “Reserve”. I’m sad we didn’t get a good Rat Report on the '20!
Anyone in SF or nearby Bay Area interested in a 6/6 split? I have zero room for more wine but find this deal too hard to pass up. Visited Zialena a couple of years back and really enjoyed everything. Have also recently purchased and drank some of their cabs & non-reserve zins from other sites and have been quite pleased. If my cellar (basement) weren’t overflowing would 100% be in for the case. Any Casemates out there? LMK and I’ll order (I get free shipping).
@davidj94112 These prices are one-time only on the last of the vintages but if for some reason you don’t take advantage of the Casemates deal please feel free to come up and visit again and try the current releases. We’d be glad to host you.
Hi all - just to get another opinion about the 2020, I had our Head of Operations (Mark…who ships you all your packages & has been working with David for over 18 years!!) open another bottle. Here is his short review:
This wine is very pleasant/good. Mine and 2 other guys opinions here.
2020 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
2019 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
2018 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
Mazzoni Vineyard
What’s Included
3-bottles:
1x 2020 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
1x 2019 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
1x 2018 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
Case:
4x 2020 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
4x 2019 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
4x 2018 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley
Price Comparison
$756.00/Case for 4x 2020 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley (vintage not for sale online) + 4x 2019 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley + 4x 2018 Zialena Reserve Zinfandel, Alexander Valley at Zialena Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Friday, Jul 5 - Monday, Jul 8
Zialena Reserve Zinfandel Vertical
3 bottles for $69.99 $23.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2020
2019
2018
These are making the rounds of the deal sites. Great pedigree with the vineyard but never had anything from the winery.
@klezman
Thank you for the compliment! In order to grow the brand in this competitive market we have distributed some of our library wines into ecommerce sites. Current release wines are only available at the winery or through our store! I encourage you to grab a bottle and taste!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Zialena Reserve Zinfandel Vertical - $80 = 28.56%
I had a bottle of the Zialena Estate Zinfandel Geyserville Alexander Valley 2019 last weekend. I gave it a thumbs up. It’s lighter than you might expect from a Zin but it had good structure and a good bit of acid. We did ribs on the smoker and it was very good. Juicy and went well with the brown sugar and spices in the rub.
Really eying this offering but the 2020 makes me nervous because there was a lot of smoke that year.
Waiting for Rats to report in.
@lionel47 I bought a smattering of cab and zin from a website that shall not be named, I’ve only popped a bottle of the regular 2018 zin. Similar notes to yours
@lionel47 agree about the smoke taint. Seems so many wineries in the valley did not have a 2020 vintage due to that reason.
@Leatherchair @lionel47 Sonoma and this area of Sonoma was relatively spared in 2020…I think…maybe?
@lionel47
there is no smoke taint present in these wines they were thoroughly tested before releasing and continue to be reviewed by staff. Trust they are wonderful and like most producers, the winery will replace any bad bottles should one arise.
@Zialena_Winery thanks for the re-assurance. I have to admit I have been nervous since a mystery case debacle that had me pouring an entire case down the drain. Yes, I am still bitter about that one.
@lionel47 @Zialena_Winery Thanks for chiming in…actually in your neck of the woods, not you specifically, would 2019, Kincade been more challenging for fire?
@kaolis @lionel47 indeed, the Kincaid Fire started in Geyserville. Our winemaker and owner Mark Mazzoni had to scale a river to get to the winery and work with a headlamp to delestage the wine that was in tank. From the outside looking in you can’t tell the difference in winemaking style, but the vintage is remarkable to those who had to vinify during those hectic times.
Hard to believe all three vintages have the exact same alcohol at 14.4.
@losthighwayz label on 2018 shows 14.9%
Lab Rat Here! 2019 vintage.
I was thrilled to get to be a lab rat this time. I was a bit worried when I saw Zin, because I’m not a big burly wine fan, but then I saw the back label and that it was grown by the Mazzonis , who are legend growers in Sonoma.
I cooled it down a bit in the fridge for about 30m, and then opened it for about 30m.
As soon as I saw the color I was excited that this might be a Zin I would really like, and it was so. It was not big and burly and gravely and all those other “extras” that Zin can sometime be. It was smooth, aromatic, elegant and very drinkable.
Dark Ruby in color but not black and dense. The aromatics were typical zin brambly fruits, with some cocoa and maybe a bit of herb. On the palate, it drank very “clean” - smooth, with an almost heavy-pinot weight.
Flavors echo’d the nose, brambly fruits prominent but again, very elegant and clean on the palate, smooth finish, the alcohol was not “there there”. We paired it with a grilled skirt steak and it went really well and I’m glad I brought down the temp just a bit. This is a very nice wine!
for the 2020
Wine fault. Musty, mildew on the nose and flat on the palate with a lingering medicinal taste. No change overnight. The cork looks fine, the wine is clear, color maintained to the edge. Hopefully there’s another rat. Nonetheless I appreciate the opportunity to participate.
@msten This is your Lab Rat Report for a bottle of the '20 you received to rat?
Want to confirm I understand before a highlight.
@msten we regret that you received a less than stellar bottle of Zialena winery. Email me to receive a replacement, no charge. orders@zialena.com
@rjquillin confirmed
@Zialena_Winery That is very gracious of you to offer to send a replacement, but not necessary. The purpose of the lab rat bottles are to help people better understand the wine and consider a purchase. The other 2 vintage reviews are very favorable. I expect the community will be confident to purchase. Again, thanks.
Zialena 2018 Reserve Zinfandel, Geyserville, CA
Thanks to Alice, as always it’s a treat to get the golden ticket email!
![front label with glass and cork](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
![back label](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
![wine in glass](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
![tipped wine in glass](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
The label is elegant, understated, and has just the relevant information, easy to read. I prefer this kind of label over some busier ones. The wine has a foil capsule, which came off easily and a standard cork.
Obligatory back label:
Upon opening, aromas of bramble and vanilla, some dark fruits. Nothing dried or raisiny, which I take a as a good sign for 6 year old juice labeled reserve.
In the glass, the wine is a pale-medium ruby – quite clear with no bricking.
First sip shows a medium body, some dark fruit with a bright cherry overtone. It comes across as high alcohol, so I checked the bottle and sure enough, 14.9% on the label. Some definite tannin structure, but not overpowering. The finish is dry, but not cloying, and extends for a good second or two.
After 10 minutes, the alcohol has mellowed a bit as have the tannins, though both are still present. The bramble is more forward, vanilla more prominent, as well as cloves and black pepper. I thoroughly enjoy it. Concentrating a bit and I think there may be hints of green, vegetal, which seems weird for a zin, but it’s not unpleasant, and adds to the wine complexity.
Overall, this is quite a nice adolescent zin. I expect it will continue to age well for another 5+ years at least, before peaking. (to my tastes)
From Michelle - Earthy smell? Not bad on first sip. Smooth and easy. Fruity? Maybe? Some tannins. I like it less as it opens. But I typically don’t love zin. It’s not bad though. I’d probably have a glass if Joel bought and served it. Goes well with the cottage pie we’re having for dinner. Has a spice, almost cinnamon-esque? The 9 year old doesn’t like the drying of her mouth from the tannin.
(note – Michelle drank a full glass, which is saying something. She does not usually prefer any zins and will put them aside after a few sips)
Sounds like my style of Zin
@klezman Super food friendly and totally quaffable!
Back here to add that we finished the 2019 lab rat bottle last night and it held up well, was still drinking well with good, full smooth flavors and good acid. As an industry person, I’m not a fan of the labeling term, “Reserve”. I’m sad we didn’t get a good Rat Report on the '20!
I agree! With the 2022 Vintage we are refreshing these labels into Vineyard Designated wines rather than reserve. Great eye!
Anyone in SF or nearby Bay Area interested in a 6/6 split? I have zero room for more wine but find this deal too hard to pass up. Visited Zialena a couple of years back and really enjoyed everything. Have also recently purchased and drank some of their cabs & non-reserve zins from other sites and have been quite pleased. If my cellar (basement) weren’t overflowing would 100% be in for the case. Any Casemates out there? LMK and I’ll order (I get free shipping).
@davidj94112 These prices are one-time only on the last of the vintages but if for some reason you don’t take advantage of the Casemates deal please feel free to come up and visit again and try the current releases. We’d be glad to host you.
Anyone in NE Ohio interested in splitting?
Hi all - just to get another opinion about the 2020, I had our Head of Operations (Mark…who ships you all your packages & has been working with David for over 18 years!!) open another bottle. Here is his short review:
This wine is very pleasant/good. Mine and 2 other guys opinions here.
This is very high praise coming from him…
Hope this helps! Cheers!
Any SoCal split interest?
@rjquillin Interest, yes. But I’ve stopped ordering wine that ships over the summer. Sorry.
@rjquillin Could do that. Where in SoCal are you for possible pickup? I’m in south OC.
@Insana San Diego. I used to make it to LA/OC more frequently than I seem to now.
check whisper
Had to do it all by myself…lonely-prissy-earwig
@marjoryk More for you! Lucky!