Eden Rift Vineyards, Cienega Valley (San Benito County, California) Zinfandel 2018

 From head-trained, own-rooted vines planted in 1906, this is not standard old vine Zinfandel.  It starts out with concentrated plum, boysenberry ripeness with a hint of black pepper, and is ripe but not over-ripe.  On the palate it offers plum and licorice flavors that linger impressively.  Mouth-filling and with an amazing bright, lively finish for such a heavy dude.  And not a hint of a raisin.  Likely a field blend with a few Alicante Bouchet and Carignane vines here and there.  156 cases.