Product Description
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Lange Twins, Centennial, Old Vine Zinfandel, 2018, Lodi, California, America
Producer Profile
Lange Twins is a family-owned and farm-first winery in the Lodi appellation of California, committed to cultivating a lasting impact.
Behind a glass of Lange Twins wine is a legacy of responsible land stewardship and forward-thinking sustainable winegrowing practices ensuring the unique estate vineyard blocks they’ve farmed for generations are preserved for the future.
The Lange family started in California on the cusp of the gold rush just as this fertile western region became a state. With a German ancestry, the twins’ great grandparents emigrated to Lodi in 1870. Their initial farming venture was non-irrigated watermelons and wheat. After years of demanding work, a vineyard was purchased in the early 1900’s – property that is tilled by the family today.
Passing down agrarian talents from father-to-son, landed twins Randy and Brad Lange the chance to carve out a modern business of not only planting, cultivating, and nurturing the vines, but making the leap to bottle their hard work as premium wines.
The twins’ vision, confidence, and determination grew a profitable business in the Lodi and Clarksburg appellations from a small family property to more significant holdings, including a state-of-the-art winery. All of which gives the family the opportunity to manage the business with a 360-degree approach.
The generational shift continues as their children, now talented adults, have stepped forward with the fifth generation of Langes making a calculated lifelong commitment to the family. Each member of the fifth gen has carved out their role in either the viticulture or winery team by adding their unique spin and leadership to the future of agriculture, not only locally, but also holding state and national positions.
Viticulture
Crafted from the historic 116 year old Lewis Vineyard – one of the oldest in Lodi, this Centennial Zinfandel is an elegant single vineyard wine that celebrates the Lange Twins family’s and Lodi’s long history of this exceptional varietal.
GROWING SEASON
Weather is a key element of farming – it plays a crucial role in the health of the vines and wine grapes. Daily temperatures and rainfall come together to dictate the growing season, making each vintage distinctive. 2018 was a long and even season with moderate conditions and mild summer weather. This allowed the grapes to mature slowly with even ripening, pushing our start of harvest to August 6th, 10 days later than the previous two years. The overall moderate to cool harvest conditions were good for flavour development, but on October 3rd we endured rain showers. Luckily the following two
weeks were dry and sunny helping finish the sugar accumulation in our mid to late ripening varietals. We ended harvest in November, one of the latest in recent memory, with particularly good quality and spectacular colour in the red varietals and white varietals with sound flavour and acid development.
VINEYARD NOTES
The Lewis vineyard was planted in 1903. Akin to the plantings of the Old World, these head-trained, spur-trained vines grow in a goblet shape which allows for uniform sun exposure. Fruit maturation occurs slowly in these own-rooted ancient vines creating finessed balance of sugar and acid among the few bunches each vine is capable of producing.
LODI AVA
Lodi’s well-drained alluvial soils are important for moderation of canopy growth and achievement of a well-balanced vine. Fruit maturation occurs under a classically Mediterranean climate of warm sunny days and cool breezy evenings. This terroir – the bringing together of soil, climate and farming traditions – imparts a unique quality that is specific to our Lodi appellation.
Winemaking
Coming from the historic 116-year-old Lewis Vineyard in Lodi, the 2018 Lange Twins Centennial Old Vine Zinfandel showcases intensity while maintaining great balance. This year saw cooler temperatures in September that led to concentrated flavour development and preserved acidity in this Old Vine Zinfandel prior to harvest.
Aged for 11 months in American oak barrels.
Tasting Note
Extensive maturation in American Oak barrels has focused the bouquet, giving defined notes of fresh raspberries, blackberry preserves, and sweet tobacco with spicy accents of dill and cinnamon. On the palate, this iconic wine delivers a robust mouthfeel with bold, supple tannins that carry a perception of subtle, sweet star anise adding an extra layer f depth that intensifies as it progresses to the finish.
Goes well with
It pairs brilliantly with rich, smoky, and charred foods, as well as hearty meats and tomato-based Italian dishes.
Cellaring
5 to 10 years from its vintage date. Because it is made from old, concentrated vines, it has the structure and tannin levels to evolve gracefully, but Zinfandel generally peaks and is best enjoyed within this decade window.
Features
Varieties: Zinfandel 100%
Colour: Red
ABV: 16.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: America
Region: Lodi, California
Vintage: 2018
