{"title":"Renwood","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"renwood-old-vine-zinfandel","title":"Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRenwood Old Vine Zinfandel\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied California red wine from Amador County's Sierra Foothills, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2018 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, and earlier vintages have collected Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Critics Gold at the Critics Challenge Wine Competition — a consistent track record for one of Amador County's benchmark Zinfandels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Amador County, Sierra Foothills, California  |  100% Zinfandel  |  Winery: Renwood Winery, Plymouth, CA\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRenwood Winery, located in Plymouth in Amador County, has long been associated with old-vine Zinfandel from the Sierra Foothills. Fruit is sourced primarily from the estate ranch in Plymouth, where distinct blocks contribute different characteristics: Block 1 provides brisk acidity and bright red fruits, while Blocks 2 and 3 bring black fruit, lush textures, and deeper color. A small quantity of purchased old-vine Zinfandel from nearby sites rounds out the blend. Under winemaker Joe Shebl, working alongside international consultant Alberto Antonini, the wine follows a minimalist winemaking philosophy. Aging incorporates 15% new French oak, which adds aromatic complexity and a refined textural layer without overwhelming the fruit.\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 powerful berry and cherry aromas, followed by nuances of fresh blackberry and cranberry. Subtle layers of clove, cedar, and savory dried herbs develop as the wine breathes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate delivers rich, high-octane fruit — ripe blackberry, raspberry, and plum — framed by toasted oak and white pepper. Medium to full in body, it carries the structure and balance more commonly associated with fine Cabernet, with a nice interplay of tannins, acidity, and fruit. Notes of coffee and bitter chocolate emerge at mid-palate, adding dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is grippy and persistent, carried by fine tannins and lingering impressions of brambly wild berries and cedar. A thread of baking spice and dark chocolate closes the experience with warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Renwood Old Vine Zin\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Zinfandel shows its best character at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, in a large-bowled glass that lets the aromatics open fully. It drinks well on its own but also has enough backbone for food pairing and cocktail-adjacent wine applications. Try it alongside a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the bold fruit and spice amplify citrus and stone fruit additions. It also works in a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) for a low-effort summer drink that benefits from the wine's jammy intensity. For a warming winter option, use it as the base for a \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e — the existing clove and cedar notes harmonize naturally with traditional mulling spices.\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 backyard barbecue featuring smoked ribs or tri-tip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a red wine drinker who gravitates toward bold, fruit-forward California reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding an Amador County or Sierra Foothills tasting flight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight steak dinners where a reliable, full-bodied red is needed\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 Renwood Old Vine Zin taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a bold, fruit-driven Zinfandel dominated by ripe blackberry, cherry, and raspberry with supporting notes of clove, cedar, white pepper, and bitter chocolate. The body is full and the tannins are fine but grippy, giving it structure beyond a typical fruit-bomb Zin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Renwood Old Vine Zin compare to Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both regions produce rich, ripe Zinfandels with jammy berry character and oak complexity, but Amador County's warmer Sierra Foothills climate tends to yield bolder, higher-octane fruit with more pronounced spice. Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels, grown in Sonoma County's cooler conditions, often lean slightly more toward red fruit brightness and herbal undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Renwood Old Vine Zin good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balance of ripe fruit, fine tannins, and measured acidity makes it a satisfying standalone pour, especially when served slightly below room temperature to keep the 14.5% ABV in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Renwood Old Vine Zin made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Renwood Winery in Plymouth, California, situated in Amador County within the Sierra Foothills AVA. The fruit comes primarily from the winery's own estate vineyard blocks, supplemented by nearby old-vine sites in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Renwood Old Vine Zin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork pairs naturally with the wine's jammy intensity. Aged cheddar or Manchego complements its spice and tannin structure. Lamb burgers with rosemary echo the herbal undertones. Pizza with Italian sausage and roasted peppers is a classic Zinfandel match. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's cocoa and bitter chocolate finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Renwood Old Vine Zin come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is available in a 750ml format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Renwood Old Vine Zin worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel positions as a mid-range California Zinfandel, and its 90-point Wine Enthusiast score alongside multiple competition golds suggest it consistently punches above its price tier for old-vine fruit from a respected Sierra Foothills estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Renwood Old Vine Zin?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes this wine is the multi-block estate sourcing in Amador County, where old Zinfandel vines produce concentrated, complex fruit that younger plantings simply cannot replicate. The collaboration between winemaker Joe Shebl and international consultant Alberto Antonini brings a minimalist yet deliberate approach — 15% new French oak supports rather than masks the varietal character. A 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating on the 2018 vintage and a history of Gold medals at major competitions confirm that this is not just a reliable weeknight Zinfandel but a serious expression of one of California's most storied Zin-producing regions. For drinkers who want authentic old-vine intensity without inflated pricing, Renwood delivers year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Renwood","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837430558889,"sku":"21590","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Renwood-Old-Vine-Zinfandel__21178.jpg?v=1730482027"},{"product_id":"renwood-dry-creek-zinfandel","title":"Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRenwood Dry Creek Zinfandel\u003c\/strong\u003e is a California red wine produced from Zinfandel grapes grown in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley, bottled at 750ml with an ABV of approximately 14.5%. This bottling highlights one of California's most celebrated Zinfandel-producing appellations, channeling the warm hillside vineyards of Dry Creek into a ripe, smooth, and layered expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~14.5%  |  Origin: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California  |  Varietal: Zinfandel  |  Winery: Renwood Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenwood Winery built its reputation on Zinfandel, sourcing fruit from select California appellations to showcase how terroir shapes this iconic grape. The Dry Creek Valley bottling draws from an AVA renowned for its warm days, cool maritime-influenced nights, and well-drained benchland soils — conditions that allow Zinfandel to ripen fully while retaining balancing acidity. The grapes are fermented in small lots, a deliberate approach designed to preserve the distinct character of the vineyard blocks and maintain fruit intensity through to the finished wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe dark berry fruit leads the nose, followed by hints of bramble and warm spice. There is an underlying ripeness that signals the Dry Creek Valley's generous growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with rounded tannins that give the mid-palate a soft, approachable texture. Layered flavors build across the palate, with dark plum and berry notes supported by subtle depth. The overall impression is smooth and well-integrated, drinking with an ease that belies its concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is lasting and ripe, carrying the wine's fruit character through to a clean, satisfying close. A gentle warmth lingers alongside soft tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, to let the fruit and spice open fully without becoming overly warm. This Zinfandel is best enjoyed on its own or alongside food rather than in cocktails, but it works exceptionally well in wine-based preparations: use it as the base for a classic red wine Sangria where its ripe fruit adds natural sweetness, stir it into a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) for a refreshing casual serve, or reduce it into a red wine syrup for dessert applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners featuring grilled meats or hearty pastas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to premium California Zinfandel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard barbecues where bold red wine complements smoky flavors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Zinfandel tasting flight across California appellations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a juicy, rounded red wine with ripe dark fruit, soft tannins, and a smooth, layered palate that finishes long and clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel compare to Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Vines Zinfandel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines draw from the same Dry Creek Valley AVA and share the appellation's hallmark ripe fruit character. The Renwood tends toward a softer, more immediately approachable style, while Dry Creek Vineyard's Heritage Vines bottling often features old-vine concentration and slightly more structured tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its smooth texture, balanced fruit, and soft tannins make it approachable as a standalone pour without needing food to temper any rough edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine is produced by Renwood Winery using Zinfandel grapes sourced from the Dry Creek Valley AVA in northern Sonoma County, California, one of the state's most respected regions for the varietal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's ripe fruit cutting through the char; slow-smoked brisket matches the wine's soft tannins and depth; wood-fired pizza with sausage and red peppers mirrors its spice notes; aged cheddar provides a salty-savory contrast to the fruit; and dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage echoes the wine's berry-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel positions as a mid-range California Zinfandel, offering Dry Creek Valley appellation fruit and small-lot production at a price point below many single-vineyard Sonoma Zinfandels, making it a solid value within the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Renwood Dry Creek Zinfandel?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry Creek Valley has earned its status as one of California's defining Zinfandel regions, and this Renwood bottling translates that pedigree into a wine that is both accessible and genuinely expressive of its origin. The small-lot fermentation preserves site-specific character rather than blending it into anonymity. For drinkers looking to explore how appellation shapes Zinfandel — particularly the juicy ripeness and smooth structure Dry Creek Valley is known for — this wine delivers a focused, well-made example without demanding a collector-level investment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Renwood","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837637324969,"sku":"28635","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Renwood_Dry_Creek_Zinfandel__09766.jpg?v=1730489039"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/renwood.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}