This was my favourite red at a recent Tesco press tasting and one I was keen to revisit in more detail. From Lodi in California, this wine is a blend of 75% Zinfandel, 15% Teroldego and 10% other varieties, made by the Kautz family and is vegan. Its name reflects the rocky, granite-rich soils where the family’s vineyards are planted. The Zinfandel and Petite Syrah components spend time in both French and American oak, which contributes to its complexity. It’s a generous 14.5% ABV and won a silver award in the 2025 IWC.
Despite being a 2022 vintage, it’s already showing signs of age, with the colour just beginning to brown. Aromas lean towards deep, dried fruits, while the texture is satisfyingly full-bodied. The flavour is rich with dark fruits, complemented by balanced tobacco and oak elements and a finish that lingers impressively. In the initial press tasting write-up I remarked that it seemed very slightly sweet. Closer measurement using a hydrometer has revealed that it is in fact technically dry and that the impression of sweetness comes from the intensity of the fruit.
At first, there was a slightly unusual twist at the end of the taste, perhaps what the label describes as a ‘spicy finish’. However, this disappears after allowing the wine to breathe for around 45 minutes. It reveals even more the next day, if you can hold off that long, with the oak influence becoming more pronounced and the overall flavour shifting into something reminiscent of tawny port. A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding bottle.
Usually priced at £12.50, I managed to pick it up for just £9.38 during a 25% off promotion, which felt like a real bargain considering the quality and the fact that wines from the USA are often on the pricier side.
