The Aldi Scarlet Path Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2023 sells for $6.79, which is the cheapest it has been, and we have reviewed every vintage since 2020. It is produced for Aldi by a large sustainably farmed family-owned winery from Monterey, California.
The Story
There is no legal definition of “Old Vines.” It is generally understood that any grapevine over 40 years old can be called an old vine.
While there are old vineyards in Lodi that predate Prohibition, most of them were planted during the White Zinfandel craze of the 1970s.
Grapes that struggle produce better wine than grapes that had an easy time. That is why many vineyards are planted in poor soil with just enough water.
Old vines, due to their age, naturally cause the grapes to struggle to obtain nutrients and water.
Lodi is located in the northern part of the Central Valley of California. It is south and east of Napa.
The vineyards are situated in river valleys stemming from the San Pablo Bay. While temps can reach 100 in the summer, the valley is cooler, and fog from the Bay comes in the morning and burns off around noon. This balances the heat of the day and nights can drop into the 50s.
The Aldi Scarlet Path Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2023 does not have production notes, so we do not have info on any oak program or fermentation details.
The alcohol content is a relatively mild 13.5%.
The Aldi Scarlet Path Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is barely see-through, black cherry red. The nose is jammy red fruit and spice, with a little vanilla. The Aldi Scarlet Path Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2023 is smooth, slightly fruit-forward, with a proper display of spice.
This Zinfandel tastes like blackberry, black pepper, plum, light herbs, and a slap of spice. This is not a complicated wine but what is in the glass does taste good.
The tannins are soft, and the acidity is balanced.
The Summary
- The Aldi Scarlet Path Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2023 is, as I recall, better than the last few vintages.
- It sips well and will pair with comfort food.
- A bargain at $6.79!
