Three Wine Company 2018 Old Vines Zinfandel
For this vintage, winemaker Matt Cline dialed up another ancient-vine KNOCKOUT. Grown on his “Big Three” sites—Evangelho (128 years old), Bigelow (100+ years old), and Mazzoni–Live Oak (135 years old)—the 2017 is bursting with black-fruit intensity, not to mention gorgeous spice and complexity. A blend of 76% Zinfandel, 8% Carignan, 8% Petite Sirah, and 8% Alicante Bouschet, it’s big, bold, and sumptuously rich.
Deep, ruby-violet center with crimson flashes through the tears. The nose is centered and warm, boasting ripe black plum, wild raspberry, dried blueberry, and black cherry. Around the edges, there’s a kiss of smoked potpourri and a spice bouquet reminiscent of licorice root, fennel, and clove. It’s full and rich on the palate, with a sense of warmth to the long, spicy finish. Drink now–2030.