This is the 2023 Once & Future Belloni Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel. I opened this way too young. It’s hasn’t settled down at all yet. Peppery nose shows seems like a barrel sample but pristine, creamy deep blackberry fruit trying to get out. Some nice stony mineral notes. In the mouth. It’s angular, peppery, and intense. Clenches up on the finish. I feel like the tannins and angularity showing now need a little more time to calm down. Let’s revisit tomorrow. For now, a 9.0.
UPDATE: Night 2, the wine is still a little disjointed and elbowy, but showing more depth than last night. Upping score from 9.0 to 9.1.
This is the 2023 Once & Future Belloni Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel. I opened this way too young. It’s hasn’t settled down at all yet. Peppery nose shows seems like a barrel sample but pristine, creamy deep blackberry fruit trying to get out. Some nice stony mineral notes. In the mouth. It’s angular, peppery, and intense. Clenches up on the finish. I feel like the tannins and angularity showing now need a little more time to calm down. Let’s revisit tomorrow. For now, a 9.0.
UPDATE: Night 2, the wine is still a little disjointed and elbowy, but showing more depth than last night. Upping score from 9.0 to 9.1.
Aug 15th, 2025
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
