Winery/Vineyard: Lorenzi Estate
Product/Varietal: Proprietary blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel & Syrah
Vintage: 2015
AVA on Bottle: Temecula Valley
Winemaker: Don Lorenzi
Rating: 92
87/100 from Wine Enthusiast
4.2 out of 5 stars on Vivino
How They Describe It
“Big, Bold, Rich and Intense…Blackberries, Spice and Violets” Patrick Bartlett
How I Describe It
Appearance
Lorenzi’s 2015 Brutus takes on the color if its dominant varietal: Petite Sirah. It’s dark, deep, and so inky the ruby takes on hues of purple.
Nose
Oak hits first, with clove and freshly chopped wooden logs. The wine is heavy with black fruit, especially blackberry and plum. Dusty turned earth, freshly cut grass, and white pepper add intrigue and complexity.
Palate
Ripe, fresh blackberry, mulberry and plum lead, followed by vanilla and baking spices from oak aging. Wet stone transitions to turned earth and leather.
This is a dry wine with bold, “sticky tannins” (Matt Kettmann’s words). Medium-plus acid and medium (13.9%) alcohol contribute to the 2015 Brutus’ medium-plus body. In addition, pronounced intensity and a long, rich finish justify its strong score.
Why is This Wine Special?
Firstly, Lorenzi Estate does things a bit differently from most Temecula wineries. No tour buses; no children; no pets (except service animals). While at first glance this might come across as draconian or restrictive, the result is a tasting experience which is 100% focused on the wine — absent of distractions and gimmick.
The 2015 Brutus is winemaker/owner Don Lorenzi’s fourth iteration of the blend. Uniquely, while we know the varietals used, Lorenzi doesn’t disclose the proportions of his blend to anyone, including most of his staff. It’s a call-out to Old World wineries, like those in Bordeaux and Rhône.
When & How I Would Drink It
The Lorenzi 2015 Brutus is opulent, richly flavored, bold, and intense. Consequently, this is a wine best reserved for opulently rich meals, or even enjoyed as a standalone.
Grilling steak? Add some bleu cheese or creamy horseradish sauce. Barbecuing ribs? Add some smokiness if you can. In other words, whatever you do, go big. The 2015 Brutus will easily match it.
How to Get It
Order Online: https://lorenziestatewines.com/product/2015-brutus/
Bottle Price: $65 (discounts for wine club members)
Cases Produced: 110
Have you tried the Lorenzi 2015 Brutus? How did the tasting notes compare with your experience? Leave a comment below.