{"title":"Mettler Vineyards","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"mettler-vineyards-epicenter-old-vine-zinfandel","title":"Mettler Vineyards Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMettler Vineyards Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bold, complex Lodi red wine bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 93 points and an Editors' Choice designation from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, this old vine expression draws from some of the most storied Zinfandel plantings in California.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Lodi, California — Mokelumne River Sub-Appellation  |  Old Vine (Avg. 50 Years)  |  Producer: Mettler Family Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMettler Family Vineyards farms estate fruit in Lodi's Mokelumne River sub-appellation, a zone often called the epicenter of California's old vine Zinfandel country — and the direct inspiration for this wine's name. The blend is built around 85% Zinfandel sourced from vines averaging 50 years of age, supported by 10% Petite Sirah, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon for added structure and depth. Aging takes place in a combination of 80% American oak and 20% French oak, a split that reinforces the wine's generous fruit character while adding spice complexity. Lodi holds more old vine Zinfandel acreage than any other region in the world, and Mettler's plantings sit squarely within its most prized corridor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe wild blueberry and blackberry, followed by layered suggestions of espresso, black pepper, and a savory undercurrent of dried herbs. Give the glass a few minutes and you may pick up traces of wild sage and bay leaf.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate is dense and velvety, delivering waves of mulled plum and dark berry fruit. Mid-palate, dark chocolate and vanilla from the oak aging emerge, balanced by firm tannins and bright acidity. At its peak, secondary notes of tar and tobacco add serious depth to what is an unmistakably rich wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and layered, with lingering dark chocolate, ripe berry, and a subtle peppery warmth. Tannins remain present but polished, leaving a satisfying grip that encourages the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is first and foremost a wine to enjoy at the table — pour it slightly below room temperature (around 60–65°F) to let the fruit and spice come into full focus. It also stands up well in hearty wine-based preparations: try it in a bold \u003cstrong\u003eZinfandel Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with blackberries and star anise for a seasonal punch; use it as the base for a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) where its dark fruit intensity holds its own against the mixer; or serve it in a classic \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e during cooler months, where its plum and spice profile melds naturally with warm-spice aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a weekend barbecue featuring smoked ribs or tri-tip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a Zinfandel enthusiast exploring premium Lodi expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a tasting flight comparing old vine California reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHoliday dinners where a full-bodied, spice-driven red complements rich dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Expect a rich, fruit-forward palate dominated by blackberry and mulled plum, with supporting notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, espresso, and black pepper, all carried by velvety tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Epicenter compare to Michael David Seven Deadly Zins?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are old vine Lodi Zinfandels, but Epicenter leans more savory and structured thanks to its Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc blending components and its dual American-French oak aging regimen, while Seven Deadly Zins tends to emphasize upfront jammy fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its balanced acidity, layered dark fruit, and polished tannins make it a rewarding pour without food, especially when served at cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Mettler Family Vineyards in the Mokelumne River sub-appellation of Lodi, California, a region renowned for having the largest concentration of old vine Zinfandel in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the wine's dark fruit matches smoky richness; aged cheddar or Gouda, which echo its vanilla and spice tones; lamb burgers with rosemary, complementing the herbal sage notes; dark chocolate desserts that mirror the wine's cocoa finish; and spice-rubbed grilled sausages that stand up to its peppery backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e With 93-point recognition and an Editors' Choice nod from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, plus a Platinum Award from the 2021 Sommelier Challenge International Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Competition, Epicenter positions as a premium Lodi Zinfandel that delivers critical acclaim well above its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of California Zinfandels is its sourcing: 50-year-old vines in Lodi's Mokelumne River corridor, the historical heart of old vine Zinfandel production. The 80\/20 American-to-French oak aging program gives it a layered complexity — richer than all-American-oak bottlings, yet without the tannin dominance of all-French-oak wines. Its multi-varietal blend, anchored by Zinfandel but reinforced with Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, builds a structural backbone uncommon at this level. Consistent critical recognition — including 93 points and Editors' Choice from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and Platinum at the Sommelier Challenge — confirms that Epicenter delivers concentration and complexity that reward serious attention.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mettler Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837429608617,"sku":"21339","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Mettler-Vineyards-Epicenter-Old-Vine-Zinfandel__61673.jpg?v=1730481966"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/mettler-vineyards.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}