Rubus Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2011
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Other Vintages
2016-
Enthusiast
Wine -
Spirits
Wine &
During a trip in California in 2009, when Fran Kysela tasted some incredible wines (available in bottle but without label), he decided to help resurect the brand creating an outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap district in Napa Valley (California), followed by an excellent Chardonnay from Russian River Valley (California). The latest addition to the Rubus line is a Shiraz/Viognier blend from the Barossa in Australia.
Over the past 7 years, the Rubus project has grown in terms of products, sources and quality. The project currently includes wines from the following countries: USA (Napa Valley, Lodi), Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, France, and Spain. Rubus is now its own brand representing quality for the consumer and an incredible price along the way.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!