Monte Rio Cellars “Old Vine Zinfandel”
LODI, CALIFORNIA | 2022
In 2015, I was offered my first sponsored wine trip while working as a new sommelier in Chicago. I was among 50 wine professionals invited to spend three days in Lodi, California, exploring the region, meeting winemakers, and enjoying an unforgettable educational wine experience (and maybe imbibing a touch too much for an average 72-hour trip). Though Lodi has historically been overshadowed by its northern neighbor Napa Valley, the trip opened my eyes to the region’s incredible potential. From Lodi’s numerous ancient vines growing alongside the cooling breezes from the San Francisco Bay and the region’s unique terroir, the winemakers’ 3-day deep-dive made a lasting impression.
Lodi is best known for its Zinfandel, which is celebrated for bold, fruit-forward profiles and complex nuances. Wines from this area often highlight notes of blackberry, sweet tobacco, and subtle spices, reflecting the region’s unique soils and climate. Monte Rio Cellars showcases these characteristics beautifully with a fresh yet traditional approach to winemaking. The result is a wine that appeals to both heritage lovers and modern enthusiasts.
Monte Rio Cellars is the creation of Patrick Cappiello, a sommelier-turned-winemaker with accolades like Food & Wine Magazine’s “Sommelier of the Year.” Partnering with Sonoma’s prestigious winemaker Pax Mahle, Cappiello crafts wines with organic practices and minimal intervention. Their use of whole-cluster carbonic maceration and natural fermentation, without added sulfur, emphasizes purity and vibrancy. This wine captures the essence of Lodi’s old vines and its evolving reputation as a region for world-class winemaking.
For those exploring Lodi’s new wave of wines, Monte Rio Cellars is an excellent starting point. Unlike Napa or Sonoma, Lodi offers exceptional quality at more accessible prices, thanks to favorable land costs. Monte Rio’s 2022 Zinfandel exemplifies restrained artistry, focusing on the region’s terroir. Medium- to full-bodied, it harmonizes ripe blueberry, savory tobacco, and black pepper with a bright, energetic finish. Perfectly suited for casual pairings like a grilled smash burger or roasted sun-dried tomato and goat cheese flatbread, this wine is a remarkable expression of Lodi's growing potential.