Sidebar Old Vine Zinfandel Mokelumne River Lodi 2018
Sidebar Old Vine Zinfandel Mokelumne River Lodi 2018
Made up entirely of old vine Zinfandel from the Mokelumne River AVA in Lodi, the vines which grow upon beds of sandy loam range in age between 55-120 years old. One harvested the grapes see native yeast and undergo 3 week fermentation and maceration with 25% whole cluster. They are then pressed and barrelled down before native malolactic fermentation. Finally, they are aged on lees in neutral oak barrels for 13 months and bottled unfiltered.
A concentrated and balanced old-vine Zin with pronounced black pepper from a historical Zinfandel growing region. - David Ramey
Ratings
From Mokelumne River in Lodi and made of 100% Zinfandel, the barrel sample of 2018 Zinfandel has a nose of spiced black cherry, blueberry jam and potpouri with herbal and earth touches and peachy undertones. Medium to full-bodied, it offers great intensity of blue fruits in the mouth, with grainy framing tannins and great juicy acidity, finishing long with fruity and spicy layers. 1,120 cases are expected to be made.
Wine Advocate - 94 points - February, 2021, Erin Brooks
This smoky, spicy wine wraps potent blackberry flavors around accents of black pepper, beef and woodsmoke for a dark and delicious effect. It is full-bodied, moderately tannic and nicely concentrated.
Wine Enthustiast - 91 points - February, 2021, Joshua Greene
Tasting Notes
aroma of spiced black cherry, blueberry jam
potpourri with herbal and earth
medium to full-bodied
intense blue fruits
grainy medium tannins
juicy acidity
long finish with fruity and spicy layers
VARIETAL COMPOSITION Zinfandel
REGION California
COUNTRY United States
APPELLATION(S) High Valley, Lake County, Mokelumne River, Russian River Valley
PROPRIETORS David and Carla Ramey
FOUNDED 2014
WINEMAKER Lydia Cummins
David Ramey and his wife Carla founded Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996 and Sidebar Cellars in 2014. As their children take on roles within the company, the Rameys decided on expanding the family’s legacy to reflect the significance of its future generation of winemaking and consumers. Thus Sidebar Cellars was founded, with daughter, Claire, at the helm and Lydia Cummins, then an associate winemaker at Ramey, now as Head of Winemaking.
Sidebar Cellars adheres to the same quality winemaking employed at Ramey while producing wines that are of different varietals (Kerner, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, a GSM blend, etc.) and are also meant to be consumed when they are young and fresh - it is the product of the Ramey team’s desire to have some fun and instant gratification while waiting for the Ramey bottlings to mature. Brightness and simplicity are key, tailored by a supple texture.
