Mettler Vineyards Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel

Mettler Vineyards Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel 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 Wine Enthusiast, this old vine expression draws from some of the most storied Zinfandel plantings in California.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Lodi, California — Mokelumne River Sub-Appellation  |  Old Vine (Avg. 50 Years)  |  Producer: Mettler Family Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Mettler 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel

This 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 Zinfandel Sangria with blackberries and star anise for a seasonal punch; use it as the base for a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) where its dark fruit intensity holds its own against the mixer; or serve it in a classic Mulled Wine during cooler months, where its plum and spice profile melds naturally with warm-spice aromatics.

Best For

• Pairing with a weekend barbecue featuring smoked ribs or tri-tip
• Gifting to a Zinfandel enthusiast exploring premium Lodi expressions
• Anchoring a tasting flight comparing old vine California reds
• Holiday dinners where a full-bodied, spice-driven red complements rich dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel taste like? 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.

How does Epicenter compare to Michael David Seven Deadly Zins? 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.

Is Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its balanced acidity, layered dark fruit, and polished tannins make it a rewarding pour without food, especially when served at cellar temperature.

Where is Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel made? 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.

What foods pair well with Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel? 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.

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

Is Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel worth the price? With 93-point recognition and an Editors' Choice nod from Wine Enthusiast, plus a Platinum Award from the 2021 Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition, Epicenter positions as a premium Lodi Zinfandel that delivers critical acclaim well above its price tier.

Why Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel?

What 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 Wine Enthusiast and Platinum at the Sommelier Challenge — confirms that Epicenter delivers concentration and complexity that reward serious attention.