Albini wines are consistently high quality as noted in the reviews and ratings received over many years....
Current Releases
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s Wine Advocate: 2018 Sonoma Report
2015 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot $35
Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Merlot has a nose of baked plums, mulberries and warm blackberries with a spicy undercurrent of cinnamon toast and cloves plus a waft of lavender. The full-bodied palate is packed with black fruits and spicy accents with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a menthol kick. 150 cases produced. 90 pts
2015 Albini Family Vineyards Zinfandel
Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Zinfandel has nose of baked cherries, black raspberries and warm cranberries with touches of underbrush, sauteed herbs and spice box. Peppery in the full-bodied mouth with big, chunky tannins and a tart acid line lifting the very ripe fruit, it finishes on a fruitcake note.
125 cases produced. 90 pts.
2014 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Merlot Library Release has a stewed plums, cassis and pencil shavings nose with touches of underbrush and charcuterie. The palate is full-bodies and richly fruited with plush tannins and along finish featuring plenty of spice and savory layers. 200 cases produced.
2014 Albini Family Vineyards Zinfandel Library Release
Medium garnet-purple in color the 2014 Zinfandel Library Release opens with lifted baked cherries, dried mulberries and prunes notes with hints of balsamic, Chinese five spice and damp soil. Big, rich, full and chewy with high-toned accents and a tart line of freshness it finishes long and spicy. 135 cases produced 88 points
2013 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot Library Release:
Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2013 Library Release reveals maturing baked plum, sauteed herbs, dried mulberries and beef dripping notes with a waft of fertile loam. The medium bodied palate offers plenty of evolving black fruit preserves and savory flavors with a chewy backbone and long, herb laced finish. This is so delicious right now-thank goodness for library releases! Anticipated maturity: 2017-2019. 91 Points
2013 Albini Family Vineyards Zinfandel Library Release:
Medium garnet colored, the 2013 Zinfandel Library Release has notes of raspberry preserves and raspberry jam with hints of dried cherries and herbs. Full, rich, soft and plush in the mouth, it has oodles of decadently spicy berry preserves on offer and a long, spicy finish. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2019. 90 Points
2015 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot $35
Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Merlot has a nose of baked plums, mulberries and warm blackberries with a spicy undercurrent of cinnamon toast and cloves plus a waft of lavender. The full-bodied palate is packed with black fruits and spicy accents with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a menthol kick. 150 cases produced. 90 pts
2015 Albini Family Vineyards Zinfandel
Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Zinfandel has nose of baked cherries, black raspberries and warm cranberries with touches of underbrush, sauteed herbs and spice box. Peppery in the full-bodied mouth with big, chunky tannins and a tart acid line lifting the very ripe fruit, it finishes on a fruitcake note.
125 cases produced. 90 pts.
2014 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Merlot Library Release has a stewed plums, cassis and pencil shavings nose with touches of underbrush and charcuterie. The palate is full-bodies and richly fruited with plush tannins and along finish featuring plenty of spice and savory layers. 200 cases produced.
2014 Albini Family Vineyards Zinfandel Library Release
Medium garnet-purple in color the 2014 Zinfandel Library Release opens with lifted baked cherries, dried mulberries and prunes notes with hints of balsamic, Chinese five spice and damp soil. Big, rich, full and chewy with high-toned accents and a tart line of freshness it finishes long and spicy. 135 cases produced 88 points
2013 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot Library Release:
Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2013 Library Release reveals maturing baked plum, sauteed herbs, dried mulberries and beef dripping notes with a waft of fertile loam. The medium bodied palate offers plenty of evolving black fruit preserves and savory flavors with a chewy backbone and long, herb laced finish. This is so delicious right now-thank goodness for library releases! Anticipated maturity: 2017-2019. 91 Points
2013 Albini Family Vineyards Zinfandel Library Release:
Medium garnet colored, the 2013 Zinfandel Library Release has notes of raspberry preserves and raspberry jam with hints of dried cherries and herbs. Full, rich, soft and plush in the mouth, it has oodles of decadently spicy berry preserves on offer and a long, spicy finish. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2019. 90 Points
Previous Releases
California Grapevine, July 2015
2012 Albini Family Vineyards, "Unfiltered," Russian River Valley Zinfandel
Medium-dark ruby: attractive, forward, briary, cedary, wild berry aroma with hints of dill and sandalwood: full body:rich concentrated, cedary, red and black fruit flavors: full tannin: lingering aftertaste. A big, full-blown style of Zinfandel with a very ripe fruit. Very highly recommended. 100% Zinfandel, 125 cases, 91 points, first place.
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s Wine Advocate:
2015 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot
Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Merlot has a nose of baked plums, mulberries and warm blackberries with a spicy undercurrent of cinnamon toast and cloves plus a waft of lavender. The full-bodied palate is packed with black fruits and spicy accents with firm, ripe, rounded tannis and just enough freshness, finishing with a menthol kick. 150 cases produced.
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s Wine Advocate: 2014 Sonoma Report
2011 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot
This winery, established in 1991, has fashioned an attractive, fruity, red cherry and cranberry-styled unfiltered 2011 Merlot. It offers softness and roundness, not a lot of complexity, but good fruit as well as a medium-bodied mouth feel.
2010 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot Russian River Valley
Even more impressive is the 2010 Merlot, which was aged 20 months in a combination of French and American Oak before being bottled unfiltered. It displays the greater raw materials of the 2010 vintage and its complex notes of mocha, black cherries, mulberries, and spice. Lusher with more flavor depth than the 2011, it is a sexier, more interesting Merlot to enjoy over the next 5-6 years. 89 Points
2012 Albini Family Vineyards, "Unfiltered," Russian River Valley Zinfandel
Medium-dark ruby: attractive, forward, briary, cedary, wild berry aroma with hints of dill and sandalwood: full body:rich concentrated, cedary, red and black fruit flavors: full tannin: lingering aftertaste. A big, full-blown style of Zinfandel with a very ripe fruit. Very highly recommended. 100% Zinfandel, 125 cases, 91 points, first place.
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s Wine Advocate:
2015 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot
Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Merlot has a nose of baked plums, mulberries and warm blackberries with a spicy undercurrent of cinnamon toast and cloves plus a waft of lavender. The full-bodied palate is packed with black fruits and spicy accents with firm, ripe, rounded tannis and just enough freshness, finishing with a menthol kick. 150 cases produced.
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s Wine Advocate: 2014 Sonoma Report
2011 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot
This winery, established in 1991, has fashioned an attractive, fruity, red cherry and cranberry-styled unfiltered 2011 Merlot. It offers softness and roundness, not a lot of complexity, but good fruit as well as a medium-bodied mouth feel.
2010 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot Russian River Valley
Even more impressive is the 2010 Merlot, which was aged 20 months in a combination of French and American Oak before being bottled unfiltered. It displays the greater raw materials of the 2010 vintage and its complex notes of mocha, black cherries, mulberries, and spice. Lusher with more flavor depth than the 2011, it is a sexier, more interesting Merlot to enjoy over the next 5-6 years. 89 Points
California Grapevine: February 2014
2010 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot
Medium to medium-dark ruby; attractive, spicy, plummy, blackberry fruit aroma that developed with airing in the glass; medium-full to full body; forward, somewhat plush, plummy, cedar, black fruit flavors with herbal notes; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to drink now and with benefit with a few more years of bottle aging. Highly recommended. 210 cases; 100% Merlot.
2010 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot
Medium to medium-dark ruby; attractive, spicy, plummy, blackberry fruit aroma that developed with airing in the glass; medium-full to full body; forward, somewhat plush, plummy, cedar, black fruit flavors with herbal notes; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to drink now and with benefit with a few more years of bottle aging. Highly recommended. 210 cases; 100% Merlot.
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold Medal - 2010 Albini Russian River Valley Zinfandel.
Gold Medal - 2010 Albini Russian River Valley Zinfandel.
California Grapevine: Spring 2011
2008 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Zinfandel
Medium ruby; attractive, plummy, peppery, ripe blackberry fruit aroma with notes of cedar and vanilla; full body; rich, jammy, very ripe berry fruit flavors with some residual sugar and a creamy mouthfeel; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. 125 cases
Medium ruby; attractive, plummy, peppery, ripe blackberry fruit aroma with notes of cedar and vanilla; full body; rich, jammy, very ripe berry fruit flavors with some residual sugar and a creamy mouthfeel; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. 125 cases
California Grapevine : Spring 2011
2008 Albini Family Vineyards Ponzo Vineyard Russian River Zinfandel
Medium ruby; attractive, plummy, very ripe blackberry fruit aroma with notes of black pepper and vanilla; full body; rich, jammy, blackberry fruit flavors with a touch of residual sugar; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to drink now. Highly recommended. Only 75 cases; 100% Zinfandel; released January 2011.
Medium ruby; attractive, plummy, very ripe blackberry fruit aroma with notes of black pepper and vanilla; full body; rich, jammy, blackberry fruit flavors with a touch of residual sugar; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to drink now. Highly recommended. Only 75 cases; 100% Zinfandel; released January 2011.
2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
GOLD MEDAL
2007 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Zinfandel
2007 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot
2007 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Zinfandel
2007 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot
California Grapevine : April-May 2010
2007 Albini Family Vineyards Dry Farmed Russian River Valley Zinfandel
Medium-dark purplish ruby; attractive, forward, intense, peppery, jammy, very ripe blackberry fruit aroma with a note of dill; full body; big, slightly viscous, concentrated, cedary, spicy, ripe blackberry fruit flavors with briary notes; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Developed with airing in the glass. Highly recommended. 14.7% alcohol; 100% Zinfandel; released October 2009.
Medium-dark purplish ruby; attractive, forward, intense, peppery, jammy, very ripe blackberry fruit aroma with a note of dill; full body; big, slightly viscous, concentrated, cedary, spicy, ripe blackberry fruit flavors with briary notes; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Developed with airing in the glass. Highly recommended. 14.7% alcohol; 100% Zinfandel; released October 2009.
California Grapevine : February-March 2010
2007 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot $28
Medium ruby; attractive, herbal, raspberry and cherry fruit aroma with a hint of cola; medium-full body; relatively soft, supple, slightly herbaceous, cedary, sweet cherry fruit flavors; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Easy to drink now. Highly recommended. 14.7% alcohol; 300 cases; 100% Merlot; released October 2009.
2007 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot $28
Medium ruby; attractive, herbal, raspberry and cherry fruit aroma with a hint of cola; medium-full body; relatively soft, supple, slightly herbaceous, cedary, sweet cherry fruit flavors; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Easy to drink now. Highly recommended. 14.7% alcohol; 300 cases; 100% Merlot; released October 2009.
The Wine Buzz : January-February 2007
2004 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Zinfandel $34
Spicy black cherry, black raspberry and licorice aromas; robust, bold flavors with hints of candied cherries and mocha; great acidity and balance, with a big, dried dark berry finish. This is Zin! Highly recommended.
Spicy black cherry, black raspberry and licorice aromas; robust, bold flavors with hints of candied cherries and mocha; great acidity and balance, with a big, dried dark berry finish. This is Zin! Highly recommended.
Wine and Spirits - The Year's BEST Merlots: June 2004
2001 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Merlot
Dark and fleshy with extract, this takes time to evolve in the glass. It grows more intriguing with the cool, foresty feel of the Russian River Valley to keep it fresh, a frame for the melting chocolate tannin and dark, five-spice scent. That freshness should prove an asset as the wine ages over the next five to eight years. 92 Points
Dark and fleshy with extract, this takes time to evolve in the glass. It grows more intriguing with the cool, foresty feel of the Russian River Valley to keep it fresh, a frame for the melting chocolate tannin and dark, five-spice scent. That freshness should prove an asset as the wine ages over the next five to eight years. 92 Points
California Grapevine : January 2004
2001 Albini Family Vineyards Dry Farmed Russian River Valley Zinfandel : 90 Points (First Place)
Medium-dark ruby color; attractive, intense, plumy, cassis, red currant and sweet raspberry fruit aroma with notes of dill and vanilla; full body; big, rich, concentrated, highly extracted, oaky, chocolatey, very ripe berry fruit flavors, full tannin; slightly drying finish; lingering aftertaste. Shows a lot of forward fruit. Very highly recommended. Only 56 cases produced. 100% Zinfandel; released October 2003. 90 Points, First Place
Medium-dark ruby color; attractive, intense, plumy, cassis, red currant and sweet raspberry fruit aroma with notes of dill and vanilla; full body; big, rich, concentrated, highly extracted, oaky, chocolatey, very ripe berry fruit flavors, full tannin; slightly drying finish; lingering aftertaste. Shows a lot of forward fruit. Very highly recommended. Only 56 cases produced. 100% Zinfandel; released October 2003. 90 Points, First Place
International Wine Cellar : May-June 2003
2000 Albini Family Vineyards Merlot $27 : 88 Points
Bright red-ruby. Perfumed aromas of raspberry, bitter chocolate, lead pencil and smoky oak. Juicy, spicy and firm in the mouth, with nicely delineated flavors of raspberry, tobacco, game and spices. Expressive merlot with plenty of personality and firm, harmonious acidity. 88 Points
Bright red-ruby. Perfumed aromas of raspberry, bitter chocolate, lead pencil and smoky oak. Juicy, spicy and firm in the mouth, with nicely delineated flavors of raspberry, tobacco, game and spices. Expressive merlot with plenty of personality and firm, harmonious acidity. 88 Points
The Wine Advocate : Robert M. Parker, Jr. Issue 141
1999 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Zinfandel
An outstanding effort, this dark ruby/purple-colored 1999 exhibits impeccable winemaking, a subtle touch of wood, and loads of concentrated black fruits intermixed with spice, pepper and underbrush. Full-bodied and chewy, it is best consumed over the next 3 - 4 years. 90 Points
An outstanding effort, this dark ruby/purple-colored 1999 exhibits impeccable winemaking, a subtle touch of wood, and loads of concentrated black fruits intermixed with spice, pepper and underbrush. Full-bodied and chewy, it is best consumed over the next 3 - 4 years. 90 Points
The Wine Advocate : Robert M. Parker, Jr. Issue 141
1999 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Unfiltered Merlot
An intriguing blueberry/earthy-scented nose is followed by an opulent lovely, distinctive Merlot, with the coffee/mocha/java characteristics found in many of its peers. Albini's 1999 exhibits good density, medium body and low acidity. Drink this attractive effort over the next 6 - 7 years. 89 Points
An intriguing blueberry/earthy-scented nose is followed by an opulent lovely, distinctive Merlot, with the coffee/mocha/java characteristics found in many of its peers. Albini's 1999 exhibits good density, medium body and low acidity. Drink this attractive effort over the next 6 - 7 years. 89 Points
The New York Times on the Web Wine : May 2001
1998 Albini Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Unfiltered Merlot
Silky and supple with power, too. A Merlot that has it all. Medium-bodied, complex, dry, balanced acidity, slight oak impression, soft tannins. Color: dark ruby. Aromas: blackberry, cassis, earthy, herbal, leather, molasses. Flavors: blackberry, blueberry, dried herbs, dusty, earthy, rose petal. This wine is balanced, concentrated, earthy, juicy, masculine, ripe and pretty rich.
Silky and supple with power, too. A Merlot that has it all. Medium-bodied, complex, dry, balanced acidity, slight oak impression, soft tannins. Color: dark ruby. Aromas: blackberry, cassis, earthy, herbal, leather, molasses. Flavors: blackberry, blueberry, dried herbs, dusty, earthy, rose petal. This wine is balanced, concentrated, earthy, juicy, masculine, ripe and pretty rich.
