USA — wine

Lodi

California's most important appellation for old-vine Zinfandel, centred on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta east of San Francisco Bay. Lodi's unique combination of warm days, cool Delta breezes from San Francisco Bay, and deep, sandy-loam soils has allowed Zinfandel vines planted by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century to survive — some are over 120 years old. These pre-Prohibition plantings, many on their original roots, produce wines of extraordinary concentration and complexity. The appellation also grows excellent Petite Sirah, Cinsault, and Albariño from its diverse climate sub-zones.

Year Rating Notes
2021 Excellent growing season with Delta cooling providing unusual freshness. Old-vine Zinfandel of extraordinary complexity.
2020 Good vintage despite some wildfire smoke impact. Old-vine concentration preserved through the heat.
2019 Outstanding vintage — long, warm season with cool nights preserving acidity. Benchmark old-vine Zinfandel.
2018 Classic Lodi vintage with excellent old-vine concentration and ripe berry character.
2017 One of the decade's finest. Old-vine Zinfandel of remarkable depth and freshness.