The Into Zin Zinfandel 2012 is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah (remember for a wine to be labeled as a single varietal, that grape must count for at least 75% of the blend) grown in Oak Ridge Winery estate vineyards in Lodi, California. Oak Ridge Winery is the oldest operating winery in Lodi (founded in 1934), they produce many labels including, OZV, Old Soul and Maggio Family Vineyards. Lodi is located east and south of Napa and though it is a more inland (and hotter) wine AVA, there are a series of river valleys running into Lodi that bring cooling ocean air. The current release is 2012, which is a more aging than usual for a bottle that should sell for around $10. The alcohol content is 13%.
The color is a raspberry jam red with a clear halo. The nose is red berries, spice and a little chocolate. The Into Zin is a bright fruit-forward wine a mix of smooth and tart flavors. It tastes of tart cherry, ripe black cherry, plum and black licorice. The mid-palate adds raspberry, vanilla and a late blast of spice. The tannins add good structure, but don’t bite and the acidity is solid, this will work as a food wine. The finish is full and long-lasting.
The Into Zin Zinfandel 2012 is a single AVA (and Lodi is an excellent Zinfandel growing area) sourced from estate vineyards from a respected grower and winery and it is very reasonably priced. The label says it’s “zinlicious” and I second that. The Into Zin has a lot of flavor and spice, but it is balanced and reasonably reserved for an inexpensive Zin. This Zin will rock the BBQ, be it burgers or ribs and of course it drinks very well on its own.
