Not sure I’ve had a 43-44yr old Cali Zinfandel before, but this was a fun pull alongside a friend’s ‘75 Montelena Zinfandel.
Muddled and faded ruby color. Aromatically, it’s mostly herbal, old fig and some tobacco, but there is a little dirty and old red fruit on the palate. The most surprising aspect was that there was still a decent amount of tannin on the finish. Comparatively, the ‘75 showed much more youthful in color and palate (still retaining a red and black juicy profile). Presented both wines blind to a few people and all called old California between 30-40yrs old. Cerebral and unique at this point!
Not sure I’ve had a 43-44yr old Cali Zinfandel before, but this was a fun pull alongside a friend’s ‘75 Montelena Zinfandel.
Muddled and faded ruby color. Aromatically, it’s mostly herbal, old fig and some tobacco, but there is a little dirty and old red fruit on the palate. The most surprising aspect was that there was still a decent amount of tannin on the finish. Comparatively, the ‘75 showed much more youthful in color and palate (still retaining a red and black juicy profile). Presented both wines blind to a few people and all called old California between 30-40yrs old. Cerebral and unique at this point!
Jun 2nd, 2025
California, USA
