Klinker Brick ‘Old Ghost’ Old Vine Zinfandel 2020 – 750ml Progress

91pts Wine Enthusiast

A twinge of bitter oak tannin underlies this Zinfandel—absolutely well integrated and gives the a wine a particular point of view. Beyond the oak, find further engaging flavors of black plum, prune, cedar bark, fennel, dark chocolate and nutmeg spice. Allow to open for about an hour for best enjoyment.

Winemaker Notes

The Old Ghost represents the best Zinfandel that Klinker Brick produces each year. An intense nose of spice, chocolate and botanicals lead to full-bodied flavors of juicy pomegranate and ripe cherry layered with dried herbs. True to the Klinker Brick style, this wine is bursting with acidity and concentrated notes of dark berries and tobacco. Layers of complexity lead to a core of medium tannins with a long, richly textured finish.

This Zinfandel pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables and charcuterie.

Winery Notes

Nestled in the heart of Lodi’s most prestigious Mokelumne AVA, sit 750 acres of estate vineyards, many of which have been farmed consistently by the Felten family for 6 generations. The soils are comprised of deep granite sandy loam, giving wines of this region a distinctive minerality. Situated at the edge of the Sacramento Delta, Pacific breezes gust through the Mokelumne AVA, cooling grapes, and creating a Mediterranean climate ideally suited for growing varietals such as Zinfandel, Syrah and Albarino.

Deeply committed to preserving the family’s ancient vineyards, Steve Felten founded Klinker Brick Winery in 2000 and is succeeded by daughter Farrah in ownership. An extension of the family is head winemaker Joseph Smith. Originally form Belize, Joe fell in love with wine after working crush in California in the early nineties. He has had a hand in every vintage of Klinker Brick, masterfully highlighting subtle terroir nuances and taming the robust fruit flavors indicative of the region with acidity and balance.