Xylophone Zinfandel 2024

Tucked into the northern edge of the San Joaquin Valley, Lodi is distinguished by rich, diverse soils.  The region has been home to wine production since the 1850s and has a Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights, thanks to the infamous “delta breeze.”  While the AVA has many different soil types, most places have deep loam soils and large rocks.

Treated with new world winemaking techniques every step of the way, these grapes were fully destemmed and fermented warm in stainless steel tanks to enhance dark fruit character and given daily pumpovers to yield soft tannins.  Picked a little past the peak of ripeness, the clusters included occasional raisins to offer higher concentration and dried fruit flavors.  The wine was aged with a combination of French and American oak to showcase confectionary aromas.

Bold flavored dishes are a must with this bold wine.  Try Ossobuco, duck breast with blackberry coulis or balsamic marinated eggplant.  Cheeses that enhance the smokey oak would pair well with this wine, think smoked gouda or ash-rinded chevre.