Del Carlo Winery's 2006 Old Vines Zinfandel

90 pts - Wine Enthusiast

At Del Carlo Winery, when we say “Old Vine Zinfandel” we don’t mean 20, 40 or even 60-year-old vines. Our Zinfandel comes from vines that are over 100 years old—now those are old vines!

Through decades of sustainable farming practices, we’ve maintained the health of our century-plus old vines. Unlike many old vine Zinfandels that tend toward pruney or cloying flavors, our vines produce fruit with the great depth of character found in old vines and the bright fresh flavors of healthy, youthful vines. The proof is in the bottle.

Our Old Vine Zinfandel is grown in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley’s eastern benchland. This big spicy wine is harvested by hand from select vines in our family’s oldest block of vines.

~ Ray Teldeschi, Grapegrower and Winemaker

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Del Carlo Winery's 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Only 196 cases produced
Retail Price $30

Our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes grown on our Home Ranch in the heart of Dry Creek Valley. The vines are located near the foothills on the eastern side of the Dry Creek bench. The elevated terrain and well-drained rocky, clay loam stresses the vines just enough to limit yields and create small concentrated berries.

These small grape clusters—resembling blueberries in size and color—create intense wine with concentrated, delicious flavors and a solid structure. Aging for 18 months in French oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging, allows the intense flavors and firm structure to marry and mellow. The result is a smooth, rich, food-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon to share with family and friends.

~ Ray Teldeschi, Grapegrower & Winemaker

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92 pts - Wine Enthusiast
91 pts and Year's Best Zinfandel - Wine & Spirits

Tasting Notes
Seductive, intense aromas of luscious blackberry entwined with rich black pepper entice you to that first sip. Once you’ve tasted this Zin, you’ll want to try it again and again. Layers of ripe blackberry, spicy raspberry and subtle black pepper flavors burst on the palate and then linger into a long finish.

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A classic "Big Cab," the grapes for our '05 Cabernet Sauvignon were grown on our Home Ranch. The vines are located in the farthest block on the eastern bench, nearest the foothills, and the wine's rich flavor reflects the low-yields from those rocky, clay soils.

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