Grace Town - Old Vines Zinfandel


Name: Grace Town - Old Vines Zinfandel
Varietal: Zinfandel
Region: Lodi, California
Country: United States
Year: 2018
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellars Review: Zinfandel was one of the first grape varieties to be planted in the area during the California Gold Rush, therefore it holds a special place in Lodi's history as a winegrowing region. The vines are naturally low-yielding due to their age, and they constantly produce high quality fruit. The wine is ruby red in color with toasty aromas; smoke and vanilla flavors. Classic Lodi Zinfandel notes of plum and ripe fruit. Some richness and a moderately long finish.

Flavors/Aromas: (Pgs. 189-190) Zinfandel is said to contain hints of blackberry, strawberry, peach preserves, cinnamon, and sweet tabacco. Furthermore Lodi specifically brings out flavors of raspberry jam, hickory, and star anise to develop a smoky-sweet concoction with smooth tannins.

My Review: So much of my previous experience with red wine has come with Cabernet Sauvingnon, as that has been most accessible as a favorite wine of my parents. While I enjoy that grape a fair amount, I was curious to try something less tannic and more sweet to see if I prefer that in my reds. I know this is only one bottle, but I think that hunch may be right, since I really enjoyed this! The spiciness and assorted berry flavors really rose to prominence, but when I finally took a sip, I was shocked to find a body that was creamy and easy, with hints of vanilla added in for good measure. Later tastes confirmed the blackberry tastes while also affirming the sweetness and relative lack of tannic power, with my mouth staying much drier than I was used to. Finally, while I must have not known what to look for with regards to smokiness when drinking it the first time, that tone really came through when smelling the empty glass afterwards, and really provided me with a shining example of how a single glass can take you on an entire journey. All in all, this is a very good and easy wine that I definitely see myself purchasing again in the near future!

Food Pairing: N/A

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