Production
When selecting fruit for Lodi Zinfandel, Cline focus primarily on harmony, early drinkability and elegant structure. Sourced from 14 superb Zinfandel vineyards where the most established vines were planted in the 1950s in the legendary area of Lodi. The grapes are de-stemmed and lightly crushed to preserve fruit and limit harsh tannin extraction. A moderately warm fermentation in closed stainless steel tanks using specific wine yeast comes next. Once desired tannin levels are achieved, the wine is racked two or even three times before aging in wood for eight month. This achieves early elegance without sacrificing bright fruit. They use 35% new French oak with a medium toast level, which contributes a delicate toasty vanilla character to the wine without masking the abundant fruit.
Tasting notes
Tastes like a fruit and nut chocolate bar! Shows a wide array of ripe sweet berry fruit including black cherry and strawberry. The palate follows with dark spicy notes such as star anise and clove . The finish is juicy gentle supple tannins.
Food match
This wine will pair very well with roast belly pork and any spicy stew. Bao buns, hoisin duck and sweet, smoky BBQ ribs.
