2021 Rubus - Zinfandel Old Vines Lodi (750ml)

2021 Rubus Zinfandel Old Vines from Lodi

Born from Fran Kysela’s Rubus project, this 2021 Zinfandel Old Vines from Lodi embodies a careful pursuit of exceptional wines at value prices. The name, drawn from the Latin word for raspberry, nods to the wine’s dark berry character. Sourced from old, low-yielding Zinfandel vines in Lodi, one of California’s oldest winegrowing regions and Zinfandel’s heartland, the wine benefits from head-trained vineyards standing on sandy clay loam soils that concentrate flavor into the small berries the vines yield. A touch of Cabernet Sauvignon is blended in, and the wine matures for nine months in French and American oak, adding structure and depth while maintaining balance.

Vineyard and winemaking details

• Old-vine Zinfandel fruit from Lodi, California
• Small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in
• Aged nine months in French and American oak
• Soils: sandy clay loam that concentrates flavor in the berries
• Vineyard practice includes many head-trained vines dating back to Zinfandel’s Gold Rush era

Tasting notes

• Color: ruby red in the glass
• Aromas: red fruit, raspberry, baking spice
• Palate: ripe cherry, cinnamon, anise, black pepper, with a whisper of cedar and smoke
• Body and finish: full-bodied and generous, finishing long and silky

Why it stands out

This wine is one of Rubus’s most recognized bottlings, a testament to its consistent performance and value. The Old Vines Zinfandel from Lodi captures the intensity and character that come from long-lived vines, while the Cabernet Sauvignon blend and thoughtful oak aging harmonize fruit-forward richness with layered spice and structure.

Food pairings and occasion

• Grilled steak
• Barbecued ribs
• Aged cheddar