Jessie’s Grove 2013 Royal Tee Ancient Vine Zinfandel
It is not often one gets an opportunity to partake in wine from vines now 130 years old. The clear delineation of this wine’s characteristics can only be summed up as astonishing! Zinfandel is believed to be the oldest varietal today. It comes from a region between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Today it is the second most planted grape in California. Most Zinfandel’s carry a high alcohol level from 15 to 16%. This wine is 15.5%. The Royal Tee, is name for their quarter horse at Jessie’s Grove. This wine on the eyes is semi-translucent, with a beautiful red coloring, but somewhat “reserve” from the first look. But once you get the aroma and taste this nectar, it holds fantasies beyond belief. With ancient vines planted in 1888, you nose and mouth is overwhelmed with blackberry, earthiness, cinnamon, clove, cedar, spicy notes, “Swisher Sweets cigar”, cherry, dark roasted coffee, black pepper and jammy raspberry. This one simple varietal has everything in the kitchen pantry involved in a delightful and at times overwhelming sensation on the palate. A truly remarkable wine and experience. Paired with a well seasoned ribeye steak, this was a truly memorable meal. 
California Wines & Wineries 
August 21, 2019 at 3:12 pm
Wow! Thanks so much for that beautiful review. The Royal Tee vineyard is a treasure. The grapes that it produces are pure poetry.
LikeLike