The Immortal Zinfandel

Vineyard Notes:
2012 was a year that started off with a very dry spring, producing
early water deficit stress on the vines and was followed by one of
the most mild and cool summer months in Lodi in decades. In fact,
June, July and August were cooler than September, October and
November. Because of this, we had exceptionally long hang time
for the fruit, giving it the chance to develop layers of flavors.
Combine that with the low yield of our 120-year-old Zinfandel
vines, and you can see why we were so excited by the intensity of
the fruit. Plus, with 75 acres of what is the largest single block of
head trained, natural rooted Zinfandel in the country, we had the
opportunity to truly hand select the cream of the crop, making
several passes through the block during the optimal ripeness
window in late October of 2012. This ensured the fruit going in
remained true to form for our flagship wine.
Winemaker Notes:
After hand-picking into half ton bins for the most delicate
transporting of the fruit, the grapes were lightly crushed into the
tank for fermentation. Fermented on the skins to dryness, it was
then pressed and placed in French and American oak barrels, of
which 15% was new wood. Aging in this way, it was important to
maintain and uplift all of the fruit components while using the oak
to support each flavor to its fullest. After bottling, it was allowed
further aging time to micro-mingle its flavors so each bottle is a
full expression of the monarch of Lodi wines The Immortal
Old Vine Zinfandel.
Tasting Notes:
The color of this wine is truly Immortal. Its rich dark color goes on
and on and on. The deceptively subtle aromas of this wine
combine red current, raspberries, red cherries, with earthy cedar
marrying together to put your olfactory senses into a new
dimension. In the mouth, the palate is wrapped in a mysterious,
velvety layered mix of raspberry cordial, sweet mouth filling red
fruit, blackberry and red current, leading to a lengthy rich mouth
filling almost breathless finish. This is a wine for great food,
friends and conversation, or an intimate meal for two by a
flickering fire. Whichever your pleasure, our Immortal Old
Vine Zinfandel will make it memorable.

Region Description

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.