“Coming from the Fontaingrove District, Messana Vineyard is another classy Zinfandel from Gamba.” – Jeb Dunnuck

That was for a previous vintage, and while no scores for the 2023 have landed, nothing has changed at Gamba. But we’re putting our polymarket bet in that this one pulls a 93-94.

Jim Gordon of Wine Enthusiast notes that “Gamba Zins have become one of the benchmarks… highly sought after with good reason; they are one of the best in Sonoma.” So, back to the lesson at hand. Gamba, ladies and gents, is without a doubt one of the BEST Zin producers around. Period. End of story. You can put them in the same league as Turley, Ridge, Biale, and Beekeeper.

The Gamba family winemaking bloodline goes way back, six generations, to Northern Italy. When Agostino Luigi Gamba left his home to come to America, he landed in Sonoma, and soon after, he struck a deal on some prime vineyard land. After many years of tending the vineyards and growing fruit, his son Gus Jr. officially launched Gamba in the year 2000. The same vines that were planted in 1,900 powered their wines then, and today. And these seriously old, hand-tended, organically grown, dry-farmed vines are a huge reason why their wines command so much respect. In a brilliant vintage like 2023, that becomes so much more apparent….

They churn out insanely rich, complex, and sultry Zins. This single vineyard is a must-have for die-hard Zin fans. A little digging reveals that the Messana is the Bastoni Vineyard renamed, as previously seen on labels by Carol Shelton and Miro. Sonoma County Vintners recites their history; “In March 1905, Pasquale and Luigi Bastoni arrived in Santa Rosa, California, from northern Italy, beginning the family’s legacy… Three generations later, Martha Bastoni Messana and her husband Russ focus on Zinfandel in the historic Fountaingrove District, featuring a 1921 house.”

The wine? Let’s turn to a compilation of notes from past vintages on CellarTracker to set expectations; “Great fruit! Loved it! Have been drinking Gambas for years and this was my first Messana! Will be going back for more!!… I love Gamba Zins and was skeptical this single-vineyard bottling would be that different, but it is. Messana brings refinement and balance that genuinely elevate it over their already excellent Zins. A bold, structured, and stunning wine… The most consequential Gamba bottling. They make a lot of beautiful wines from many legendary vineyards, but Messana has a power and a depth that is above the norm…” And on, and on… You get the picture!

Fair warning: this Zin is YOUNG, and BIG. Decanting a few hours, or even overnight, and serving slightly chilled will help elevate the experience to oohs and aahs.

At the end of the day, a Gamba is no gamble. These Zins are sure bets. At this price, you’re return on investment/enjoyment is guaranteed. Their wines are not easily found, even at your most well-curated wine shop. And if they are, good luck landing one at this price. This is our second one following the easy sellout Family Ranches in March; we’ve learned our lesson and already scooped up a bigger fair share.

What’s left is all yours!