Carol Shelton is best known for her fine Zinfandels. The Wild Thing Old Vine Zinfandel has a degree of finesse that most Zins lack. The 2019 vintage is an exemplary Zinfandel. Deep in color, it engages the olfactory sense with layers of raspberry, blackberry and plum fruits underlain by nuances of cocoa, herbs, vanilla and spice. The richness of the bouquet plays out across the palate with the luscious, ripe red and black fruits enhanced by a lilt of red fruit at the finish. The cocoa, vanilla and spice elements that round out the flavor profile are underscored by a rich, almost creamy texture. It’s a great buy among California Zins.
Carol Shelton, Mendocino County (California) Old Vine Zinfandel 2019
By Wayne Belding