Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel

Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel: A Deep Dive for Wine Enthusiasts

Calling all Zinfandel lovers! If you're searching for a Californian red bursting with bold fruit flavours and a touch of elegance, look no further than the Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel. This wine, crafted from grapes grown on Lodi's esteemed ancient vines, promises an unforgettable tasting experience.

Uncorking the Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel

Cline Cellars, a family-owned winery in California, has built a reputation for exceptional Zinfandels. Their Lodi Old Vines bottling celebrates the region's ideal climate and heritage vines. The deep loam soil, coupled with long, sun-drenched days and cool nights in Lodi, fosters Zinfandel grapes brimming with concentration and character.

A Feast for the Senses: Tasting Profile

Pour yourself a glass of Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel and prepare to be greeted by a vibrant, deep ruby red colour. As you swirl the wine, admire the rich viscosity that coats the glass, hinting at the full-bodied character to come.

On the nose, this Zinfandel explodes with a delightful bouquet of ripe dark fruits. Think juicy blackberries, plump plums, and a touch of brambly raspberry. Interwoven with these fruit notes are hints of peppery spice, adding an intriguing complexity. The influence of ageing in French oak barrels becomes apparent with subtle whispers of vanilla and toasty oak, rounding out the aroma.

The first sip of Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel is a revelation. The full-bodied nature of the wine fills your palate with a burst of those same dark fruit flavours – blackberries, plums, and a touch of jammy sweetness. The peppery spice from the nose translates onto the tongue, adding a pleasant warmth and a touch of elegance. The tannins are present but supple, offering a smooth and well-structured mouthfeel.

As the wine lingers on the finish, the oak influence becomes more prominent, leaving behind a touch of vanilla and toast alongside the fading fruit notes. This lingering effect adds depth and complexity to the overall tasting experience.

Food Pairings to Complement the Flavours

Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions to elevate your next culinary adventure:

• Grilled meats: The bold fruit flavours and peppery spice stand up perfectly to grilled meats like sausages, burgers, and barbequed steaks.
• Spicy cuisine: The touch of spice in the wine complements the heat of dishes like Thai curries, Indian curries, and Mexican fajitas.
• Rich tomato dishes: The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of tomato-based pasta sauces and lasagna.
• Cheese platters: Pair this Zinfandel with a selection of hard cheeses like aged cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyere. The wine's fruitiness complements the cheese's savoury notes.

Beyond the Bottle: The Allure of Old Vine Zinfandels

The Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel isn't just a delicious wine; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of Lodi's historic vineyards. Old vine Zinfandels, like this one, are crafted from grapes grown on vines that have been producing fruit for decades, sometimes even centuries. These established vines produce grapes with exceptional concentration and flavour intensity, resulting in wines of remarkable depth and character.

In Conclusion: A Must-Try for Zinfandel Enthusiasts

The Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel is a superb example of what Californian Zinfandel can achieve. It's a full-bodied, fruit-forward wine with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both casual sipping and special occasions. With its versatility in food pairing and its connection to Lodi's viticultural heritage, this Zinfandel is sure to become a favourite among wine enthusiasts.

Looking to Add Cline Cellars Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel to Your Collection?

At The General Wine Co., we're proud to offer this exceptional Zinfandel alongside a wide range of other exciting wines. Visit our website or our store in Liphook to explore our collection and discover your next favourite bottle.