A Gift of The Vine
This month’s top picks from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center
Michael-David 2005 “Lust” Zinfandel
Intense, deep-purple color with mixed berry, dark cherry, and smoky oak aromas. The wine is full bodied and mildly tannic. This intense Zinfandel has dark fruit flavors complimented by a long finish of berry, black pepper, and spice. ($59)
www.lodivineyards.com
Crystal Valley Cellars 2006 “Estate” Ancient Vine Zinfandel
Purple-black color hints at the intensity of this Zinfandel. Concentrated jammy fruit and black pepper aromas are complimented by plum and mature, dark berry flavors. This full-bodied Zinfandel has structure with pleasing tannins that will allow it to age. A spicy lingering finish completes the picture. ($40) www.cosentinowinery.com
Klinker Brick 2005 “Old Ghost” Old Vine Zinfandel
Dark cherry color with complex aromas of mint, dark berry, toasty oak, and earth. A structured Zinfandel with soft tannins, Old Ghost will cellar well for several years. Spice rack, dark berry, and oak flavors lead to a long, pleasing finish. ($38) www.klinkerbrickwinery.com
Michael-David 2005 “Rapture” Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby-red with hints of dark cherry colors, this 100 percent varietal Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of cherry, plum, green olive, and smoky oak. Rapture’s flavor profile of mature fruits, vanilla, earth, and spicy oak lead to a smooth, pleasing finish. ($59) www.lodivineyards.com
Borra Vineyards 2005 “47.5°” Syrah
Ruby-red with good clarity, this Syrah offers jammy, black berry fruit, earth, and oak aromas. Dusty earth, dark berries, jam, and oak flavors compliment this medium-bodied Syrah. The finish of earth, spice, and jammy fruit invite you to enjoy another glass. ($35) www.borrawinery.com
For more information: Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, and taste from a selection of over two hundred award-winning Lodi wines. 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com
When you pay a premium price for a bottle of wine, is that a guarantee you’re getting a great wine? The answer is no—price alone is not a guarantee of a great or even a good wine. So, what if you want to buy a premium priced wine as a gift for a special friend? How should you go about this?
First, determine if the person drinks wine on a regular basis. Most people who do, prefer red wine. If you can, determine a specific red wine type they prefer (like Zinfandel, Syrah, or Cabernet Sauvignon). If not, red wine fans tend to appreciate a range of red wine varieties. Make sure you have a price point in mind before you shop, and then have some fun. Plan a visit to a number of Lodi wineries. Visit www.lodiwine.com to find a list of wineries that have tasting rooms, or stop by the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center for a winery map and recommendations. When you visit, explain what you are trying to accomplish, and the tasting room staff will help you with the decision-making process. Best of all, in most cases, you can try the wine before you buy. Here are just a few examples. Enjoy!
