2015 Trentadue Winery Old Patch Red Lot #43 750 ml

A member favorite for three vintages running, Trentadue’s “Old Patch Red” consistently over-delivers for its humble price. And Lot 43 is no exception. It’s no surprise really, given the near-perfect, sunbathed growing season in Alexander Valley and the persistently deft touch of Zin master (aka winemaker) Miro Tcholakov.

In 1868, pioneering botanist Andrew Bouton established Heart’s Desire Nursery just to the east of the railroad tracks outside of Geyserville, California. He would soon introduce acres of head-trained vines, including Zinfandel and Carignane. Over the years, Bouton’s historic planting came to be known as “Old Patch” — a vineyard that has consistently dazzled Robert Parker, Jr.

Grapes for the 2015 Trentadue “Old Patch Red” Lot 43  are drawn from an old-vine mix of Zinfandel and Carignane, splashed with luscious Petite Sirah. In “good” vintages, Trentadue’s “Old Patch” ranks among the three or four most compelling under-$15 reds in California. On the nose, lush aromas of black cherry and mountain blueberry, tinged with Asian spices. Massively concentrated, yet unusually light on its feet and vibrant in 2015, packed with gobs of black-fruit preserves, black chocolate, and a splash of kirsch, lightly touched with new-wood cedar. Don’t be fooled by the modest price tag. This is an unusually complex old-vine blend that pays homage to Andrew Bouton’s experimental planting and the Trentadue family’s intuition and perseverance.