The Old Fire Station, Old Market, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire

Old Vines Zinfandel, Cline Cellars, California

When selecting fruit for Lodi Zinfandel, Cline Cellars focus primarily on harmony, early drinkability and elegant structure. This vintage draws from 14 superb Zinfandel vineyards in the legendary area of Lodi where warm days and cool nights have ripened grapes to perfection for over 100 years. They used 35% new French oak with a medium toast level, which contributes a delicate toasty vanilla character to the wine without masking the abundant fruit.

Cline Cellars is proud to be a Certified California Sustainable Vineyard and Winery. The program acknowledges a long-term commitment to continual improvement in the field of sustainable winegrowing and business practices. Fred Cline and Bob Cannard founded Green String Farm and the Green String method of sustainable farming in 2003. Green String Farm is a 57 hectare natural process, sustainable farm near Petaluma, California. The Green String method meets the highest standard of environmental sustainability practices, which is different from certified organic. The methods reduce soil erosion, pesticide dependency, and loss of biodiversity; and increase resistance to natural predators. Instead of herbicides, Cline has 1,500 sheep and 500 goats that roam its vineyards, tasked with removing invasive weeds and instead of harmful pesticides.

The Old Vines Zinfandel shows a wide array of ripe almost sweet berry fruit including black cherry and strawberry. The ripe palate shows more berry fruit, as well as dark spice notes such as chinese five spice, star annise and clove . The finish has gentle supple tannins. This wine will pair very well with roast belly pork and any spicy stew or chowder.

CONTACT TO ORDER

We can deliver anywhere in mainland Britain from £11.95 per case.