For lovers of Zinfandel from California, there are two
important functions on the “must do” list. Zinfest, sponsored by the Lodi Wine Commission
(www.lodiwine.com) is generally a May
event in Lodi. The Zinfandel Experience,
usually held in San Francisco in January, is sponsored by Zinfandel Advocates
and Producers (www.zinfandel.org). Between these two events, you can taste some
marvelous wines and learn about the variety of Zinfandel styles from our
California vineyards and winemakers. I’m
focusing here on Lodi Zinfandels to encourage you to go to Zinfest.
Some of my favorite Zinfandels are designed “Old Vine.” Those are wines made from vines planted
pre-prohibition, before 1930. Some old
vine roots go as deep as 25 feet so there is consistent access to moisture
regardless of whether the year is wet or dry.
Roots which reach through several layers of soil yield special fruit and
this is reflected in the wines.
Macchia’s 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel “Michievous” comes from five
different old vine vineyards near the winery in Acampo, Lodi AVA. This wine has the classic fruit-forward
characteristic of Lodi Zinfandel, and is a lovely deep-hued wine. There are rich ripe berry flavors and a hint
of soft vanilla. 15.5 percent alcohol.
$20 the bottle. www.macchiawines.com
McCay Cellars 2009 Truluck’s Jupiter comes from a vineyard
on the west side of Lodi with 80 year old vines inter-planted with 40 year old
vines. The resulting wine is beautifully
structured with layers of flavors like blackberry, black cherry and cola. It is both spicy and fruity, and round on the
palate. This well balanced Zinfandel has soft tannins, a nice acidity, and a
long finish. 14.6 percent alcohol. $32
the bottle. www.mccaycellars.com
d'art Winery, located in Lodi, is known for its hand crafted
wines. Dave Dart, an artist who is also
the winemaker at d’Art, sourced fruit from vines 85 to 125 years old for his
2011 Zinfandel. It is a peppery, fruity Zinfandel that spent 18 months in
American oak barrels. 16 per cent
alcohol. $24 the bottle. www.dartwines.com
Toasted Toad Cellars fruit for its 2010 Zinfandel came from
the Clements Hills area of Lodi, near the Mokelumne River This yummy Zinfandel is bursting with ripe
berry flavor, vanilla and spice, and has a deep red color and lasting finish. Despite the high alcohol (17.2 per cent),
which winemaker Jeff Werter purposely decided to not water back to a lower
rate, this wine is perfectly balanced. $24 the bottle. www.toastedtoadcellars.com
Zinfandel can be a blending grape too. Harney Lane Winery, Lodi, does a nice job
with its 2012 Dry Rose, using Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah. Warm weather is not far away. Grab some of this. 13.9 percent alcohol. $17 the bottle. www.harneylane.com
What could be more perfect than tasting these wines in Lodi in the summer? Note to self: hats and suntan lotion a must!
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