Cline Cellars Zinfandel California 2005

Lumped into the larger Central Coast AVA until 1999 – and now included in the slightly smaller San Francisco Bay AVA – the century old vineyards that remain in Contra Costa County are shrinking daily. Pre-Prohibition, more than 6,000 acres were planted and the area was home to 27 wineries. Today some 1,500 acres are planted to Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Carignane – “kerrigan” in local dialect – Alicante Bouchet, Chardonnay and Palomino, but not a single winery remains. Old vines of all types are common here and give dense, richly fruited wines. Most vines are gnarly, dry farmed and have taken 75 to 120 years of head-pruning. Light sandy soil facilitates drainage and allows for deep root penetration by vines. Crops are small, with an average of 1.5 tons per acre. This ruby red wine is not so much about Zinfandel as it is about terroir. With notes of farmlands, hay, and fresh rural air – like that of Central Marin after a rainstorm – as well as mineral and wet cement tones, it is only after some breathing that the full force of the fruit comes to life. Herbal notes of sage and tarragon play a supporting role as vivacious strawberry, rhubarb, and dried cranberry fruit notes take center stage. This is one great American wine, and is very fairly priced.

Fred Cline has restored some of California's oldest vineyards. Even this wine, at this price, is old vine Zinfandel. It shows in complexity and intensity.

This mouth-coating Zinfandel offers flavors of toasted caramel and dark berries. With soft tannins and a lasting vanilla finish, the Ancient Vine Zin is dangerously easy drinking.