Bogle Vineyards 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel

I've been a Zin lover for decades, especially fond of those made from old vines. For Zinfandel, old vines, though unregulated, can mean the plants went into the ground anywhere from several decades to over a century ago. It's especially long-lived and productive and was one of the varieties favored by the Italian winemakers who built up the California wine industry before and after Prohibition. Family-owned (since 1968) Bogle Vineyards makes what is hands-down the best cheap old vine Zin in the country. The current vintage was sourced from Lodi and Amador vineyards. It's bursting with brambly berries and peppery accents of cedar and tobacco. It's worth wading through the aisles of cheap plonk at your local grocery to find anything from Bogle, especially this Zin (if an older vintage is available, grab it!) Priced around $10 - $12.