2015 Zinfandel Old Vine
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Tasting notes
Much less raisined and cooked on the nose that many a Zin, giving this a sense of balance and (relative) daintiness – this has a drinkability factor as well as lovely plum and black cherry fruit. Contemplative Zinfandel. (RH)
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Old Vine Zinfandel is surprisingly delicate and restrained in this vintage. Sweet red cherry and plum flavors are nicely pushed forward. Silky tannins add to the wine's accessible, open-knit personality. In this vintage, the Zinfandel is bumped up in the blend, and that comes through loud and clear.
The reds start with the 2015 Zinfandel Old Vine, which comes from many different old-vine vineyards largely based around three farms in Sonoma planted in 1888, 1896 and 1905. In addition, there is a kitchen-sink blend of other old-vine sites as well. Peterson guesses that the average age of the material in the blend is at least 80 years. The bend is 90% Zinfandel and the rest Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Grenache, Carignan, Mataro and a few other eccentric black varieties. This delicious wine shows terrific fruit, loads of steak tartare, ground pepper, black raspberry and blackberry fruits, licorice, creosote and an Amarone-like character. It is dense, full-bodied, vibrant and energized. Drink it over the next 5-6 years if you can wait that long.