OLD VINE ZINFANDELS

Zinfandel isn't like anything else you can buy.  It's thought of as California's native grape variety because no other major wine region makes Zinfandel.

Most red Zinfandel styles are richly fruity and full-bodied, with flavors ranging from sage, herb and all kinds of spices to black cherry, wild berry, raspberry, currant, plum and even boysenberry.  It is one of the oldest grapes in California, and because Zinfandels rootstocks are of types other than AxR-1 (which is the type that is susceptible to phylloxera, the root louse that attacks grape vines), many Zinfandels come from old vines, ranging from 30 to 100 years of age.

This wine tasting will focus on those “Zin’s” from some of the oldest vines in California.

The Wines:

Apéritif: 2002 Beringer White Zinfandel and Chardonnay Blend

2001 Bogle Vineyards

2000 Campus Oaks – Lodi

2001 Ravenswood – Lodi

2001 Renwood – Amador County

2000 Sausal – Alexander Valley

2000 Z52 Agnes Vineyard – Lodi

Cheese and bread will accompany the wines. Coffee and Dessert will follow the tasting. Please bring your own glasses. No smoking or strong fragrances--please. Attendees recognize they will consume alcohol and assume responsibility of having done so. Attendance will be limited to the first 36.  Reservation deadline is Monday, January 12, 2004.

 Members $18.00

 Non-members $22.00

What Happened.........

This tasting was organized by Chris and Cheryl Arnold who selected an excellent array of Old Vine Zinfandels.

They acquainted us with the areas of California where the grapes were grown and explained the differences in the grapes and wines.

The Best Buy was the Campus Oaks, but all were very good, and it was hard to pick a clear winner.

Bread and cheeses accompanied the wines and we closed with coffee and dessert.