Cigar Zin Old Vine Zinfandel (75cl, 14.5%)

Cigar Zin Old Vine Zinfandel is a Lodi red wine from Cosentino Winery, made from old vine Zinfandel grapes. The grapes undergo a cold soak before a 14-day fermentation, and the finished wine ages for eight months, partially in French oak. Depending on the vintage, the blend may include small percentages of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot alongside the dominant Zinfandel. The nose opens with ripe blackberry and black currant, dark chocolate, toffee, sandalwood, cedar and tobacco leaf. The palate is juicy and fruit-forward, with plum, ripe cherry, cassis, cocoa, coffee, baking spice, vanilla, peppercorn and leather. The finish is moderately long, with lingering dark berry sweetness, licorice and smoky oak.