Fiddletown Old Vine Zinfandel

Fiddletown Old Vine Zinfandel is a bold, full-bodied red wine from California's Sierra Foothills, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2013 vintage earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the 2011 vintage took Best of Class at the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — a track record that speaks to the consistency of this bottling.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Fiddletown, Sierra Foothills, California  |  Old Vine Zinfandel  |  Producer: Fiddletown Cellars

Production & Heritage

Fiddletown Cellars draws from vineyards planted at 1,800 feet elevation in the Fiddletown appellation of Amador County — the highest and coolest growing sites in the region. The altitude produces the longest growing season in the county, with cooler days and nights that allow fruit to hang longer on the vine for maximum flavor concentration and balance. The Zinfandel base is blended with small amounts of Barbera and Alicante Bouschet, then aged for 16 months in a combination of 50% French oak and 50% American oak barrels. This dual-oak approach layers structure and complexity without overwhelming the fruit character that defines Sierra Foothills Zinfandel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe raspberry and wild blackberry dominate the nose, followed by subtle undertones of vanilla and warm spice from the oak aging. There is a gentle earthiness underneath that hints at the wine's old-vine origins.

Taste: The entry is dark and plush, with concentrated blackberry and black currant fruit. Mid-palate, firm tannins and ample acidity provide structure, while flavors of dried plum, cola, and chocolate emerge. At its peak, hints of tar and caramel round out a densely layered, chewy texture.

Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering tobacco, vanilla, and dark berry notes. A thread of bright acidity — a hallmark of the Fiddletown appellation — keeps the conclusion fresh and balanced despite the wine's considerable weight.

How to Drink Fiddletown Old Vine Zin

This Zinfandel is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (60–65°F) in a large-bowled glass that allows its concentrated aromas to open up. Decanting for 30 minutes softens the tannins and integrates the oak. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice), where its natural cola and berry notes amplify the drink. It also works in a Red Wine Sangria with blackberries and orange, leaning into its jammy fruit. A classic Mulled Wine in cooler months benefits from its spice and chocolate character.

Best For

• Grilling season — pairing with smoked ribs, tri-tip, or charred burgers
• Gifting a Zinfandel enthusiast who values old-vine depth over flashy branding
• Building a Sierra Foothills vertical or regional tasting flight
• Hearty winter dinners featuring braised meats or slow-cooked stews

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fiddletown Old Vine Zin taste like? It delivers dense, chewy blackberry and black currant fruit supported by firm tannins, with secondary notes of chocolate, cola, tobacco, and vanilla from 16 months of oak aging. Bright acidity keeps it balanced despite its rich, full-bodied profile.

How does Fiddletown Old Vine Zin compare to Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel? Both are benchmark Amador County old-vine Zinfandels, but Fiddletown sources from higher-elevation vineyards at 1,800 feet, which contributes a distinctive fresh acidity and longer hang time. Renwood tends to offer a slightly more approachable, fruit-forward style at a similar price tier.

Is Fiddletown Old Vine Zin good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its concentrated fruit, layered complexity, and integrated tannins make it an excellent stand-alone sipper, especially after a brief decant to let the oak and fruit harmonize.

Where is Fiddletown Old Vine Zin made? It is produced by Fiddletown Cellars in the Fiddletown appellation of Amador County, located within California's Sierra Foothills wine region at approximately 1,800 feet elevation.

What foods pair well with Fiddletown Old Vine Zin? Smoked beef brisket complements the wine's tar and dark fruit notes. Aged cheddar mirrors its richness and stands up to the tannins. Lamb sausage with fennel echoes the spice character. Dark chocolate desserts align with the wine's cocoa undertones. Barbecue-glazed pork ribs match its cola and berry flavors.

What sizes does Fiddletown Old Vine Zin come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Fiddletown Old Vine Zin worth the price? Fiddletown Old Vine Zinfandel positions as a mid-range expression that consistently punches above its weight, delivering 92-point quality and Best of Class competition results at a price well below many comparable Napa or Sonoma old-vine bottlings.

Why Fiddletown Old Vine Zin?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of California Zinfandel is its terroir-driven acidity — a direct result of the Fiddletown appellation's high elevation and extended growing season. The blending of Barbera and Alicante Bouschet with old-vine Zinfandel adds structural complexity and color depth that pure varietal bottlings often lack. Multiple vintages have earned Gold medals and Best of Class honors at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the 2013 vintage's 92-point score from Wine Enthusiast confirms critical consistency across releases. For drinkers seeking a Sierra Foothills Zinfandel with genuine old-vine character and competition-proven quality, this remains one of the region's most compelling bottles.