Zinfandel “Giuseppe & Luisa”, Martinelli Winery, Russian River Valley, CA, 2023

Professional ratings (2023 vintage)

• 94 points – Wine Spectator (Tim Fish)
  Described as plump and jammy yet well-sculpted, showing rich black cherry and raspberry fruit layered with mocha, pepper, and anise, finishing with plush tannins and good polish.
• 94 points – Jeb Dunnuck
  Notes a saturated ruby color with cedar, red berries, and baked earth on the nose. The wine is praised for its bright acidity, savory character, and “salty” mineral feel, making it both structured and vibrant.
• 93 points – Wine Advocate (Robert Parker team / Erin Brooks)
  Highlights cranberry, blueberry, wildflower, and spice aromatics with a medium-bodied palate, grainy tannins, and a long, balanced finish.
• Additional trade listings consistently confirm ~94-point consensus across major critics for the 2023 release.

Summary of critic consensus

Across major reviewers, the 2023 “Giuseppe & Luisa” Zinfandel is consistently described as:

• High-end, structured Russian River Zinfandel
• Ripe but not overblown fruit profile (black cherry, raspberry, plum)
• Strong acidity and balance for the style
• Savory complexity (pepper, cedar, mocha, spice)
• Plush but controlled tannins
• Good aging potential (to ~2030–2033 range)

Overall critical takeaway

This is widely considered a top-tier Sonoma Zinfandel release for 2023, sitting in the 93–94 point “excellent to outstanding” range with a rare combination of richness and structure for the varietal.

Wine Spectator 94 Points

"Plump and jammy yet well-sculpted, this Zin offers rich and generous flavors of black cherry and raspberry laced with bittersweet mocha, savory pepper and anise notes as this builds polish toward plush tannins. Drink now through 2033. 1,500 cases made. 

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 94 Points

"From vines planted in 1995, the 2023 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa was matured in 40% new French oak. It has open, inviting aromas of cranberry, blueberry, wildflowers, earth and spice. The medium-bodied palate features generous, spicy flavors framed by grainy tannins. It’s balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a long, flavorful finish. 1,679 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035