Alexander Valley Vineyards, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Old Vine Zinfandel 2017

 This producer is widely known for “SinZin” and other proprietarily named bottlings of Zinfandel.  The Wetzel Family bought the property in 1962 from the Alexander family and has owned it since, and they have an affinity for Zinfandel across the stylistic spectrum.  This reserve bottling comes from a fifty year old head trained plot near the winery from rows selected by winemaker Kevin Hall.  It’s a big boy, coming in at 16.1% alcohol, but it’s managed well, with aromas and flavors of black plum, baker’s chocolate, vanilla, moderate oak spice and orange zest.  Bring on the stinky cheese with this one – a fine winter treat!