Navarro Vineyards - 2023 Zinfandel

2023 ZinfandelNew!
Old Vine Cuvée
Mendocino
- (750 ml) $29.00
- (Full Case) $288.00 ($60.00 off!)

Sprightly

We've always believed that Zinfandel should be delicious and reasonably priced. That's why our Old Vine Zin still goes for $29.00—the same as it did back in 2015, even as costs for grapes, labor and packaging have gone up. We've sourced the fruit from Al and Sally Tollini's vineyard for 25 years now, sticking with quality over shortcuts. This blend comes from four of their oldest Zin fields—some planted as far back as 1932 by Al's grandfather, and others by his dad in 1948. The vines are old-school: goblet-trained, dry-farmed and naturally low-yielding, which means small berries and big flavor.

HOLIDAY SPECIAL!

Buy it by the case for only $288.00 — a savings of $60.00! That's only $24.00 per bottle.

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Al Tollini driving a tractor near vines planted in 1932. It's not difficult to find Al during daylight hours; just look in the vineyards. There's a saying, “Look after the vines when they're young and they'll look after you when you're old.” Couldn't be more apt for this third-generation grape grower.

Jim and Al Tollini inspecting vines in the AT3 Zinfandel block. The trunks of the vines are thicker than Jim's or Al's legs.

The Zinfandel grapes were gently destemmed into five-ton fermenters and given punch-downs by hand twice a day. After pressing, the wine kicked back in seasoned French oak for 11 months. Our chosen cuvée? A charming mix—40% from 91-year-old vines, 60% from sprightly 75-year-olds. Judges at the West Coast Wine Competition commented: “Notes of plum, blueberry and blackberry. Solid midpalate. Dusty elegant tannins.” Gold Medal winner.

Punching down Zinfandel in an open-top tank.

Specifications

Harvested: Oct. 8, 2023
Sugars at harvest: 27.5° Brix
Bottled: Aug. 22-23, 2024
Cases produced: 1,563
Alcohol: 14.5%
Titratable acidity: 6.1 g/L
pH: 3.75

2017 Old Vine Zinfandel, Mendocino

“Made from 60-90 year old vine Zinfandel from Ukiah and Redwood Valley. A dollop of other grapes come from a field blend block within one of the two vineyards sourced for the Navarro Zinfandel Old Vine Cuvee. Warm aromas of black cherry preserves, black pepper and allspice transitions to tastes of smushed up blackberries and very ripe raspberries + bay leaf, Thai basil and black tea. I love the generosity of fruit and sturdy frame of spice & exotic herbs. Medium acidity and smooth tannins…I think this is drinking fantastic now.” —Dan Dawson, Outer Space Far Out Wines

2016 Old Vine Zinfandel, Mendocino

90 Points. “Very fruity, very ripe and very full bodied, this wine practically oozes a jammy berrylike character from the first whiff to the lingering finish. Dried fruits like fig and raisin dominate the flavors while a rich lush texture coats the tastebuds.” —Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

2014 Old Vine Zinfandel, Mendocino

This Beautifully refined, old-vine Zin has a core of ripe fruit and much more, including finely honed balance, exceptional integration and a long-lingering finish. Order online.John Vankat, Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine, July, 2017.

2013 Old Vine Zinfandel, Mendocino

“Old Vine Cuvée,” Mendocino ($29) – Medium to medium-dark ruby; forward, deep, intense, cedary, ripe, raspberry and blackberry fruit aroma with a hint of black pepper; full body; rich, textured, peppery, red and black fruit flavors; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to drink now. Highly recommended.- . California Grape VineJune, 2016.

2012 Old Vine Zinfandel, Mendocino

This supple Zin is jammed with black cherry and wild berry fruit, showing accents of roasted anise, cracked pepper and dried sage. Drink now through 2020. 490 cases made. - Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, June 30, 2015.

2000 Old Vine Zinfandel, Mendocino

Anderson Valley’s premier producer turns inland for 50-year-old vines and the heat to ripen them. They got plenty ripe this vintage, with deep, impressive berry and fruit flavors and accents like chocolate and rum. It’s a little soft, but okay. Sixteen percent alcohol is heady, but the wine handles it well, and has been fermented to full dryness. - Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, May, 2002.