To taste the depth and complexity of flavor of an ancient vine grape just before it is harvested is to understand why the wine made from them is so special. Ancient Vines Zinfandel has flavors of dark berries, coffee and chocolate with great vanilla oak character and a long lingering finish. This wine has it roots in the Cline family’s 80- to 100-year old vines in Oakley. From these historic holdings the wine has grown to include grapes sourced from California’s finest Zinfandel regions.

Tasting notes

The 2006 Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows wonderful dusty raspberry, blackberry, white pepper and spice, with coffee and chocolate characters. Ripe fruit and soft tannins make this a mouth-coating rich vintage. Aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. Enjoy now or cellar for 5 to 7 years.

Food pairing

Pairs well with New York steak, red and white pasta sauces, spicy and barbecued dishes or turkey with all the trimmings.