Lodi Zin, sexy Lodi Zin.  Tall, dark, strong, sleek, bold, full, dangerous, striking, intense.  Razor sharp, yet soft as feathers.  Arresting, dazzling, raging, exhilarating.

Old Zin Vines is produced by Oak Ridge Winery, the oldest operating winery in Lodi, founded in 1934.  The winery was originally operated as a cooperative of local growers.  Then in 2001 the winery was purchased and renovated by Rudy Maggio and his partners, Don and Rocky Reynolds.

One of the particularly interesting things about this winery is the tasting room, which resides inside a 50,000 gallon redwood tank.  If you’ve ever wanted to drink from inside a barrel, this is your chance.

Old Zin Vines 2005

I love the design of this bottle.  It’s very bold, just like the wine inside it. It pours to reveal a luscious purplish red color.  Cedar, cherry, blackberry jam, cola and herbs waft from the nose.  The palate is big… big blackberry jam, cherry, plum and spice—a fun and intense spice.  There is a bit of coffee and chocolate, lending a soft, smooth characteristic to the experience.  The finish is long and spicy.

It’s a good zinfandel, but it’s in the upper end of our price range and we’ve found other Zins that are just as good for a bit less.

Wine: Oak Ridge Winery – Old Zin Vines
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol: 13.95%
Rating: 87
Price Paid: $15.99