2018 Shannon Giannecchini Old Vine Zinfandel, Mendocino County
Divvy-Up
80 Points
Tasting Notes
"Wonderful fruit complexity, a full body and a velvety texture add up to a lot of enjoyment in this concentrated, layered release. Blackberry, dried plum, blueberry and a hint of espresso make an enticing combination while moderate tannins support them well." - Wine Enthusiast
There's something magical about head pruned, dry farmed, old vine zinfandel. The wines are bold, beautiful, dense and truly express the terroir. This is a full-bodied Zinfandel with delicate floral overtones and distinct, dark fruit aromas. The palate boasts spicy plum notes with extended cherry flavors and a seemingly eternal finish.
Vineyard
Our Old Vine Zinfandel hails from the Talmage Benge region of Mendocino County. Previously farmed by four generations of the Giannecchini family, this vineyard was planted sometime between 1910 and 1920. The gravelly, loam soils and ideal climate contribute to the production of these ultra-premium wine grapes.
Comments
What a perfect time to ensure this wine is either a holiday gift or served for Christmas dinner.
The Legend of old vine Zinfandels
For lovers of Zinfandel wines, reverse ageism is a thing. Zinfandel vines appeared in California in the mid 1800s and were planted throughout the state. Many of those vineyards still flourish, and although there may have been generations of grapes planted there, vines over 50 years of age are not uncommon. These vines are beloved because the fruit they produce is remarkable for its deep and layered flavors.
In the lifecycle of a vine, the plant begins producing wine worthy fruit around 3 to 5 years of age and reliable annual crops around 5-7 years of age. Strong growth continues for the next few decades and starts to decline after 30 years. By the time a vine is 40 years old, its growth cycle has plateaued and begins to decline. Yields are decreased, but with lower yields comes more concentrated fruit flavors. As they say, "old vines make good wines."
Unlike wine labeling terms such as Crus in France, Riserva in Italy and Crianza in Spain, that have very precise meanings, in the USA we are a little less rigorous with the term “Old Vines.” There is no real restriction on the use of the term or metrics for content of fruit coming from older vines.
Generally accepted conventions consider Old Vine Zinfandel to come from vines aged 50 years or more. The best way to verify Old Vines is to look for specific information on the vineyard. As a point of pride, many winemakers will share that information on the bottle or with the wine descriptions.
What an amazing wine. This red Zinfandel is smooth and bold. First sips you are met with berries and a bit of dryness that you expect with a Zinfandel. This wine compliments red meats very well and yet is very enjoyable without a meal also.
Did you preview this wine? Is it jammy in any way? Peppery?
Houstonian - too much wine to drink
I did preview it and definitely not peppery or earthy as some reds can be. First sip put the sweet berries in your mouth then moved yo a smooth not overwhelming tartness. Not jammy in anyway.
This Giannecchini Family Vineyard Old Vine 2018 Zinfandel is simply amazing! Rich in color, with aromas of blackberry, plum, blueberry, and a hint of burnt orange and spice. Nicely balanced acidity and dry. Smooth and full-bodied. Compliments grilled meats very well and yet is very enjoyable without a meal. This is an excellent Old Vine Zinfandel! Bravo!
Love the comments, this "old world California" Zin is a real treat! I do get just the right amount of earth in the glass, perfectly balanced with the fruit to produce a really full flavor but not a fruit bomb. Like a lot of good aged vine Zins the spice is a subtle part of the flavor, not discernable as a stand alone element. Value is incredible here, I may not share at all! 😀