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St Francis Old Vine Zinfandel Sonoma County 2010

I previously reviewed the St Francis Cabernet, which I really like.  Today, I turn to the St Francis Old Vine Zinfandel.  The St Francis Winery is located in the Sonoma Valley of California and produces great wines for under $20.  I always pause when opening a bottle of these wines because they come with synthetic corks which I usually associate with cheaper wines.  However, do not fear -the wine is terrific.

The St Francis Old Vine Zin is sourced from vineyards in Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley.  The vines are 55 to 100 years old which results in low yields and high concentrations.  The wine is 83% Zinfandel, 6% Petit Syrah, 4% Syrah and 7% other grapes.
The wine is aged 15 months in 78% French Oak and 22% American Oak.

Zinfandel wines can be lighter such as the XYZin I reviewed last year or they can be be bigger with lots of tannins.  The St Francis Zin is in the latter category.  This is not a happy hour wine for most people, it is best with red meat.  The flavor is intense and concentrated.  The A.C. is a whopping 15.8%.  This is a wine to keep on hand to accompany a grilled steak.  You will be glad that you did.

This wine costs $19.95 online from the winery but you can buy it for $14.99 at Total Wine and $13.89 at Costco.  Wine Spectator rates the wine at 89 points.

SC Wine Joe rating = 90 points.

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