Scotto Cellars, Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel, 2022
Scotto Cellars, Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel, 2022
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14.5%
- Zinfandel
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Scotto Cellars' Old Vine Zinfandel comes from Lodi's historic vineyards, where century-old vines yield concentrated, characterful fruit. This 2022 vintage delivers the generous, sun-soaked style that defines California Zinfandel, with ripe berry fruit balanced by warming spice and approachable tannins.
The wine drinks well now and will remain at its peak until 2030. Its generous character and moderate structure make it an excellent introduction to premium California Zinfandel, whilst the old vine fruit provides genuine depth and complexity.
This 2022 vintage is drinking well now, with primary fruit flavours at their peak and well-integrated tannins. Over the next two years, expect the fruit to remain prominent whilst developing slightly more complex spice and earth characters. The wine will hold its fruit-forward appeal until around 2030, after which it may begin to lose some of its generous character. Unlike age-worthy Zinfandels, this style is best enjoyed for its immediate charm rather than long-term development.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby-purple with good intensity and clarity.
NoseGenerous blackberry and boysenberry fruit leads, followed by plum and dark cherry. Warm spices emerge - cinnamon, black pepper, and a touch of vanilla from oak aging. There's an underlying earthiness that speaks to the old vine character.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with ripe, accessible fruit flavours that mirror the nose. The tannins are soft and approachable, whilst sufficient acidity keeps the wine fresh despite its generous character. Spice and fruit integrate well, with subtle oak providing structure rather than dominating.
FinishMedium length with lingering spice and dark fruit, ending on a pleasant, warming note.
Overall impressionA well-crafted, approachable Zinfandel that delivers classic California character without excessive extraction or alcohol heat.
Food Pairings
In Lodi and the wider Central Valley, this style of Zinfandel traditionally accompanies barbecued tri-tip beef, a California specialty often seasoned with garlic and herbs. Local Portuguese and Italian communities pair similar wines with linguiça sausage, grilled over vine cuttings for extra flavour. The wine also complements the region's farm-to-table cuisine - grilled vegetables from local farms, wood-fired pizzas topped with seasonal produce, and hearty stews made with Central Valley beef. Mexican influences in the area make it excellent with carnitas tacos and chile-rubbed grilled meats.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to showcase both fruit and structure optimally. Decanting for 30 minutes will help integrate the wine and allow the fruit to open fully, though it's perfectly enjoyable straight from the bottle. Use large Burgundy glasses to concentrate the generous aromatics whilst providing enough bowl to swirl and aerate the wine.
Lodi's Mediterranean climate features warm days and cooling Delta breezes that preserve acidity in the grapes. The region's sandy loam soils over clay hardpan provide excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the vines. These old vines, with their deep root systems, naturally limit yields and concentrate flavours. The combination of warm sunshine and cooling influences creates ideal conditions for Zinfandel, allowing long hang time for full phenolic ripeness.
Lodi AVA, established in 1986, covers 551,000 acres in California's Central Valley. The region is renowned for old vine Zinfandel, with some vineyards dating back to the 1880s. Lodi's Mediterranean climate and diverse soils produce Zinfandels that are riper and more generous than coastal regions but retain better balance than many inland areas. The appellation has gained recognition for sustainable farming practices, with over 50% of vineyards certified sustainable.
The 2022 California growing season brought exceptional conditions that many producers consider among the finest in recent memory. Cool, consistent weather through spring and summer allowed for extended hang time, with grapes developing remarkable concentration whilst retaining natural acidity. The absence of significant heat spikes or wildfire disruption created an almost textbook vintage, reminiscent of the celebrated 2012 and 2016 seasons. Harvest proceeded at a measured pace, with many estates reporting their latest picks in years as they waited for optimal phenolic ripeness.
The resulting wines display outstanding balance and structure across all major varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley shows particular promise, combining power with unusual elegance, whilst Sonoma Pinot Noir achieved remarkable depth without sacrificing finesse. Chardonnay producers crafted wines of exceptional purity and length. Quality levels are uniformly high from premium sites, though the vintage's natural concentration means many reds will benefit from cellaring. The finest Cabernets will drink beautifully from 2027 onwards and age gracefully for two decades, whilst most whites and Pinot Noirs are already approaching their drinking windows.
FAQs
How does this compare to other California Zinfandels?
Scotto's Lodi Zinfandel represents excellent value in the California Zinfandel spectrum. It's more generous and fruit-forward than coastal versions from Sonoma or Paso Robles, but shows more restraint and balance than many Central Valley examples. The old vine fruit provides genuine depth at an accessible price point.
What makes old vine Zinfandel special?
Vines over 50 years old naturally produce lower yields, concentrating flavours and creating more complex fruit character. These ancient vines have deep root systems that access different soil layers, contributing to mineral complexity. Old vine Zinfandel typically shows better balance and more interesting secondary flavours than young vine fruit.
Should I cellar this wine or drink it now?
This wine is designed for near-term enjoyment and drinks beautifully now. Whilst it will hold well until 2030, it's unlikely to improve significantly with age. The generous fruit and soft tannins make it ideal for current drinking, so don't feel compelled to cellar it for years.
Why is Lodi particularly good for Zinfandel?
Lodi's Mediterranean climate provides the warm days Zinfandel needs to ripen fully, whilst cooling Delta breezes preserve crucial acidity. The region's sandy soils drain well but retain enough moisture for consistent ripening. Most importantly, Lodi has maintained many of California's oldest Zinfandel vineyards, preserving genetic diversity and vine maturity.
What's the difference between this and premium Napa Zinfandel?
Napa Zinfandels typically show more concentration, complexity, and aging potential, but also command significantly higher prices. This Lodi example offers excellent varietal character and old vine depth at a more accessible price point. It's less structured and age-worthy than premium Napa bottlings but delivers immediate drinking pleasure.
How should I store any leftover wine?
Re-cork and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The wine's generous fruit and moderate tannins mean it will hold reasonably well once opened. Allow it to come back to proper serving temperature before drinking. A vacuum pump can help extend its life by another day or two.
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