Book of Shadows Zinfandel 2023

Don’t get us wrong, Napa and Sonoma, California are both home to outstanding wine. But their near-neighbor, Lodi, is increasingly recognized for its equally compelling production—with its old vine Zinfandel in the limelight. The richly hued and generously layered Book of Shadows is one of the most attention-grabbing regional selections we’ve tried. One sip, and we’re sure you’ll be just as mesmerized.

About 90 miles directly east of the San Francisco Bay, Lodi sits in a pretty ideal spot climate-wise. Its average temperatures are about the same or lower than those of the aforementioned famous areas, thanks to cooling Pacific breezes that travel over a network of waterways and act like a natural air conditioner. Couple this with the absence of spring and fall frost and generally low humidity year-round, and you get relatively disease-free fruit that ripens with minimal intervention or impact on the environment.

These idyllic conditions are one reason the region is the country’s leading producer, yielding 20% of California’s total vino. They’re also part of the reason Lodi is home to the highest concentration of old vines in America, many of which are Zinfandel, 35 or older.

To that end, Book of Shadows is all about flaunting the area’s all-out grape power, with Zin as its leading character. (Petite Sirah is blended in for tanninic structure and a small portion of hybrid grape Rubired is added for color.) Immediately enchanting with aromas of blackberry jam, ripe plum and cracked pepper, its palate offers more blackberry tones plus black cherry, pomegranate and dark chocolate flavors.

Order soon to be one of the first to try this Lodi blockbuster—and don’t be surprised if you find yourself ordering another.