Moss Roxx Ancient Vine Zinfandel 2009
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Moss Roxx is a label under Oak Ridge Winery. Gnarled and ancient, the Zinfandel vines from this vineyard produce some of California's most sought-after fruit, creating a wine that is supple and complex.
Originally built in 1934, Oak Ridge Winery operated for many years as a winemaking cooperative. The winery was purchased by Rudy Maggio, a third-generation winegrower in 2002, and his three daughters continue to oversee operations today. The Maggio family has called Lodi home for over 100 years and take pride in their role as stewards of the land. All of their 2,500 acres of estate vineyards are farmed in accordance with LODI RULES, a third-party sustainability certification created for the Lodi Appellations that signifies a commitment to rigorous, scientifically-sound sustainable wine growing.
The legacy of Moss Roxx began in 1888 when the first vineyard was planted by our Italian immigrants as they settled in Lodi. These vineyards are over a century old and are laden with rocks and gravelly soil. The boulders and vines are covered in moss from their years of exposure to the elements. The goal with these grapes is to craft a flagship wine that exemplifies the very best that Lodi's signature grape, Zinfandel, could be.
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!