2004 Redwood Valley ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel – $28

Complex flavors of raspberries, boysenberries and black peppercorns are balanced by soft tannins and a spicy finish that perfectly complements almost anything from the grill.
— 86 points

Winemaker's Comments

The Redwood Valley is about 200 feet higher in elevation and slightly cooler than the famous Russian River appellation. This results in a gradual ripening of the fruit, producing wines that are refined and complex.   Our Redwood Valley Zinfandel is a lighter style Zinfandel, with aromas of raspberries, almonds & brown sugar that continue on the palate with rose petals.  The finish of subtle oak and smoke intermixed with cranberries and raspberries keep the taste buds working.  With those slight notes of oak and smoke in turn softening the fruit characteristics presented, it is BBQ sauce smothered baby back ribs that comes to mind in pairing with our 2004 Redwood Valley Zinfandel. 

Accolades

GOLD MEDAL — North of the Gate Wine Competition
SILVER MEDAL — Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition
86 Points — Wine Enthusiast

Zinfandel

Zinfandel was for many years somewhat of a mystery grape, as far as its origins are concerned. Recent research in Croatia and at the University of California at Davis, using DNA profiling, has proved Zinfandel is a clone of the Croatian variety Crljenak.
Nearly as versatile as Chardonnay in the number of different styles of wine produced from it, it has only achieved widespread popularity in America since 1980, as a pink, slightly sweet wine. In fact, this popularity has so outstripped all other forms that many fans think there is actually a grape called "White Zinfandel" (there isn't)!
Zinfandel is one red varietal that is probably best enjoyed in its youth, within three to five years of the vintage. With more bottle age than this, the luscious fruit that distinguishes Zinfandel drops markedly.

Preferred Pricing

1 - 2 cases: 10% off, 3 - 5 cases: 15% off, 6 + cases: 20% off (does not apply to Library & Reserve wines).
Mixed cases allowed. Wine club members are given an additional 5% off on all purchases.