Cline Family Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2022 750ml

Gold | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The 2021 Ancient Vines Zinfandel draws primarily from a wide selection of our oldest, most historic and shyest-bearing Zinfandel blocks in Contra Costa County. Growing on the sandy banks of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers delta, some of these vines are well over 100 years old. Planted in sand-soils they have persisted through phylloxera and prohibition. These ancient, dry-farmed vineyards consistently produce fruit of stunning concentration. 

Lots were harvested separately according to the ripeness and balance of acidity. Grapes underwent near total destemming and a very gentle crushing to ensure a large proportion of whole berries in the must which contributes to the explosive fruit character of the wine. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled open-top concrete tanks at the optimum temperature to extract rich flavors and provide excellent color. The wines were pressed off their skins at dryness and racked gently before being laid down on a mixture of French oaks for 12 months before blending and bottling. 

The 2021 Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows the varietal strawberry character that Zinfandel is known for. Well balanced and fresh with a touch of plum and black pepper make for a very enjoyable glass of wine. Very drinkable now but will age well for 5-7 years or longer. Accompany this wine with slow-cooked BBQ pork, chicken mole, or spinach mushroom casserole.