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Three Finger Jack Old Vine Zinfandel

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This wine, from California, takes its name from the notorious gunslinger Three Finger Jack, a figure from California’s Gold Rush era of the 1800s. Made as an homage to his bold spirit, the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak, enhancing its depth and complexity.

This 2020 vintage offers inviting aromas of raisins, black fruits, smoke and leather. This wine is smooth and luxurious, with a velvety texture that coats the tongue, undoubtedly influenced by its high 15% ABV. Flavours of ripe blackberries dominate, complemented by a smoky undertone that lingers. This full-bodied Zinfandel is fruit-forward and surprisingly soft, with significantly less tannins and less spice than typical examples from Lodi. Its profile probably leans closer to Primitivo di Manduria, the Italian counterpart of the same grape variety, highlighting ripe fruit but additionally balanced with a subtle smokiness.

A great find, this wine has become one of my picks. Available from Majestic, it currently has a high approval rate, with 100% of 30 reviewers stating they would buy it again. It also scores 4.1 on Vivino. It is excellent value at £15.99 when purchasing a mix of six bottles.