Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Oak Ridge Winery – Ancient Vine Zinfandel 2022
Lodi, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Sourced from some of Lodi’s most treasured old vines, this estate-grown Zinfandel reflects the depth and concentration that the region is famous for. Oak Ridge, Lodi’s oldest operating winery, has a long legacy of showcasing Zinfandel as the signature grape of California’s Central Valley.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, rich waves of red plum and boysenberry mingle with cracked black peppercorn and a touch of toasty oak. The palate follows with flavors of baked raspberry–blueberry pie, layered with star anise, cardamom, and a subtle lift of candied lemon zest on the finish.

Mouthfeel
Lush and concentrated with a medium-plus to full body, ripe tannins, and a smooth texture. The spice notes add complexity, while the fruit-driven core keeps it approachable and vibrant.

Food Pairing
Ideal with BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, or smoky pulled pork. For a vegetarian option, try it with roasted eggplant or spicy black bean chili—this Zin loves bold flavors.

The Verdict
A bold yet balanced Zinfandel that speaks to Lodi’s heritage of ancient vines. Fruit-forward with just the right amount of spice and oak, it’s a crowd-pleasing red that delivers far beyond its approachable style.

✨ Personal Highlight
This bottling reminds me why Lodi’s “Ancient Vine” Zins are so beloved—they capture both power and charm in the glass, making them perfect for hearty meals or a cozy evening sip. Cheers! — a month ago

Marc Melser

9.2

We had the 2013 Vintage on 6/28-29/25. Nice bouquet black fruit and cedar. The palate had blackberry, plum, tobacco, leather and spice. Medium bodied, terroir driven. Old World and very good — 4 months ago

Kevin Murphy

9.6

Very mellow cab. Should pair nicely with anything. — 8 months ago

Jason

9.0

Good. Buy again — 10 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2018 vintage. Last tasted 04.08.23 (9.5), 12.01.22 from a 375ml (9.5) and upon release 06.07.21 (9.5). Decanted and tasted after 45 minutes. Mysterious, dark-fruited and dusty nose. Medium body with excellent darkness of night color. Previous baby-fat overtures approximately 90% gonzo. Slimming down and getting more toned. In a state of transition with undeniable tension that can easily be misconstrued as underperforming. Last wine I tasted that was under this sort of metamorphosis at this level was the 1996 Pichon-Lalande about 1.5 years ago. Such a privilege to experience world-class wines in such a vulnerable moment. Everything is laid out bare/naked before you and you can see where the wine is headed and whether it will be following a trajectory that agrees with you. Definitely unusual to find this occurring in a wine this youthful but the 21st Century is smashing the old 20th Century clay tablets and digitizing. For most wine enthusiasts sampling this wine now, expecting some disappointment in the scoring. For myself, this is currently in the perfect symmetry of past, present and future. Will it show critically better in the future according to the accepted trials, palates, judges and juries? Probably. Will they experience the potential, doubts, insecurities and questions? Doubtful. This kid stays in this exact picture for another 2-4 years imho before striking another pose and I would love to taste this again during that time frame. An above and beyond thank you to FLB (Friday Lunch Bunch) regular Todd. 08.15.25. — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

It is customary for the wines of Chateau Musar to be released seven years post-vintage. However, in 2013, the decision was made to hold the vintage back. 2006 was unusual for two reasons. The first, were the cool climatic conditions in the Bekaa; the likes of which had not been seen since the 1950’s. There was a two-week period in winter where the valley was blanketed in snow and mild temperatures remained in effect throughout much of the growing season. The second was much more tragic: 2006 was a war year in Lebanon. On July 12th of that year, Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a bloody conflict that lasted (officially) a little over a month. Sadly, thousands of lives were lost. In 2017, eleven years after harvest, the 2006 vintage was deemed ready for release.

Poured into a decanter about 90min prior to service. The 2006 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, blackberries, black currants, tobacco, horse blanket, leather, some red and purple flowers, dried herbs and Eastern spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and absolutely delicious. A triumph and perfect with lamb chops. Drink now through 2046+.

How Chateau Musar endures to make wines from the Bekaa remain one of the great examples of human grit and determination available in the world of wine. Frankly, it’s a minor miracle this vintage ever made it to the winery. — 5 months ago

Katie Pierce

9.5

Good fruit flavor but still super dry! Very enjoyable! — 3 months ago

with Janet

Peter Heyboer

9.0

Jammy dark fruit, some barrel aromas and flavors. Pretty complex and enough tannin to keep you from getting overwhelmed. Great sipper for the price point! Would buy again. — 4 months ago

with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others

Randy Fuller

9.3

This wine has a faint yellow tint in the glass. It gives up intense herbal aromas, very grassy. The palate has a fresh acidity and is loaded with grapefruit and gooseberry, heavy on the citrus. The grassy, herbal feel carries on in the lengthy finish. Pair it easily with any sort of seafood, especially something fried. — 6 months ago

Nick DiSanto

9.0

WRW 2-15-25 — 9 months ago