2022 Carol Shelton - Monga Zin Old Vine Zinfandel Cucamonga Valley (750ml)

Carol Shelton has built a devoted following for Zinfandel, the grape she has called her favorite since her 19 years as winemaker at Windsor Vineyards. She founded her own label in 2000 to make small lots from carefully chosen vineyards, many of them historic old-vine sites. Monga Zin has been part of the lineup since her very first vintage, 2001. Its name came from the team tripping over the word “Cucamonga” one too many times.

The fruit comes from the Lopez Vineyard in Southern California’s Cucamonga Valley, about 70 miles inland from Los Angeles, where a freeway interchange now surrounds the vines. Planted in 1918 on their own roots, these organically grown, dry-farmed bush vines yield only about 0.2 tons per acre, so the fruit is remarkably concentrated. The 2022 was picked on August 1. After a three-day cold soak, it fermented in stainless steel and spent ten days on the skins, then aged 19 months in mostly older oak. Small amounts of Touriga Nacional, Carignane and Viognier round out the blend.

This Zinfandel shows deep black cherry, dried cranberry and orange zest, with vanilla-caramel, graham cracker, cocoa and a Chinese five-spice note. The palate is creamy yet tangy, with sturdy tannins and a long, lush finish. It drinks well now and can age for 15 years or more.