2016 SADDLEBACK “OLD VINE” ZINFANDEL

Practice makes perfect, and when you set the bar as the first American winemaker to earn a perfect 100 Point score, consumers have a lot to be exited about in each successive vintage. Nils Venge did just that with his perfect scoring 1985 Groth Reserve Cab, then stacked up 33 successful winemaking vintages since then. Embarking on his 24th vintage of Old Vine Zinfandel, Nils and Saddleback source fruit from the historic Frediani Vineyard, planted in 1905. Frediani Vineyard is revered for producing fruit with compelling and hedonistic qualities and this quintessential 2016 Old Vine Zinfandel has penetrating aromas of baked raspberries, dried plum, cracked black pepper and red flowers, and has everything that you want.  At $39.99, it’s one of my all time favorite go-to Zins, and the 2016 might be his best yet.

A blend of 96% Zinfandel that’s complimented with 4% Tempranillo for added depth and backbone, the 2016 is intensely perfumed and expertly balanced.  On the palate the wine is detailed, precise, and poised with energy and depth that can only come from old vines. As always, there’s simply never enough of this old vine Zinfandel to go around, so grab some before it’s gone…