2015 Peirano Estate The Immortal Zin Old Vine Zinfandel

From 115-year-old, head pruned vines (which Lance Randolph prunes very low to the ground, as a tribute to his great grandfather Giacomo Peirano, who was only five feet tall). These are widely considered the finest stand of old Zinfandel vines in Lodi. Just ask Turley and Ridge – who bought these grapes before Randolph decided to make the wine himself. (Of course, the Turley Lodi Zin sells for $70.) What’s more, Randolph makes his Zinfandel in a more balanced (and lower alcohol) style – as he puts it, “a wine to drink with foods people actually eat, like pasta or steak.”

A style that I prefer. 2012, by the way, had both some of the lowest yields and longest hang time for Peirano yet – and is easily the most extraordinary wine Randolph has made. In fact, he made several passes through his vineyard in late October, selecting only the cream of the crop for this wine. Needless to say, NO other California wine at anywhere near this price can claim the pedigree, the selectivity and care, and the sheer quality of this. Immortal Zin fans…THIS is what you’ve been waiting for!