2010 Van Ruiten “Old Vine” Zinfandel

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$22 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Once again it has been confirmed. . .there is no new idea or new graphic design for that matter. This month we’re featuring the Van Ruiten 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel and I was stunned to see the VR logo is very similar to the new Carpe Vino design that we unveiled last year.

But this is about the wine, is it. If you’re looking for giant zins—big fruit, massive finish, concentrated flavors and tons of spice—your search is an easy one, beginning and ending in Lodi. And this month’s offering is a fabulous example.

This family, three generations thus far, have been farming in the Valley since the early 50’s when John Van Ruiten, Sr. emigrated from the Netherlands. He segued from cultivating table grapes to focusing on wine grapes, and today the winery has 1,000 acres in production. It wasn’t until 2000 that a winery was built and then a tasting room.

In a very short time, the Van Ruitens have gained a reputation for being competitive with their zins. In 2009, the Wall Street Journal named the 2007 Van Ruiten OVZ the best zinfandel in America. Taste the 2010 and you’ll no doubt agree that the quality continues. . .and at a great price.

Winery Tasting Notes:
“After years of playing second fiddle to the so called “King” Cabernet, Zinfandel has finally become trendy, and this Lodi wine is Lodi Zinfandels undisputed champion. This Zinfandel fruit was hand selected from the first vineyard John Van Ruiten planted over 50 years ago and is among the families most prized grapes. Our 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel is packed full of blackberry, cherry and blueberry jam with barrel flavors contributing aromas of coffee, cedar, and finishing with anise.”

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