The Red Shiner Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi California 2010

When 5th generation negociant Jeff Hansen started talking about a Shiner from his cellars there were a few puzzled expressions. We all knew of Australian cleanskins and Tire Bouché in France but it was the first time we'd heard the Californian term for these unlabelled, fantastic-value bottles. As soon as we'd tasted this deeply-coloured, spicy, rich Zinfandel, The Red Shiner was born. A proportion of the grapes are from vineyards planted in 1888 by one of the oldest Zinfandel growers in California. Intense, spicy, brambly aromas and hints of cracked pepper are followed by a full palate with a creamy texture and plump, velvety tannin. Its depth of flavour, concentration and complexity can only be derived from these ancient vines