Lodi’s California Wine is The Epicenter of the State’s Zinfandel & Barbera World
An Old Ghost sits on our table.
Created by Klinker Brick Winery this California wine is an example why Lodi is the heart and soul of Zinfandels in the U.S.
Old Ghost Zinfandel is one of the 16 wines Klinker Brick’s owners Steve & Lori Felten create for retail stores and sales through the winery. They’re fifth generation farmers. Though they’re not one of the big wineries here in California, they produce 100,000 cases of wine yearly.
The 23 year old winery creates whites like Albarino and Viogner along with Lodi staples of Syrah, Zinfandel and Barbara. They also produce Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvigon, Grenache, Carignane and Sangiovese.
Klinker Brick’s low key barn hosts a bar, indoor tables and outdoor patio seating. We visited on a quiet Tuesday afternoon enjoying a platter of charcuterie with their wines.
Here’s what we tasted:
2021 Grenache Blanc (an award winner) $20 ✰+
2019 Dolcetto $28 ✰+
2019 Carignane $28 ✰+
2021 Grenache Blanc $20 ✰+
2020 Farrah Syrah (another award winner) $22 ✰+ + (90pts.)
2020 Old Ghost (Old Vine Zinfandel-another award winner) $40 ✰+ /✰+ + (91pts.)
2021 Barbera $28 ✰/✰+ + (91pts.)
2015 Gold Brick Cabernet Sauvignon Sweet Red $45 ✰+
2020 1850 Red Blend (Cab, Petit Sirah & Zin) $28 ✰+
Klinker Brick’s tasting room is located on the southeast quadrant with acres of grape surrounding their barn. It was a wonderful visit with our knowledgeable host Matt. Tastings flights run between $10-$20. Weekend reservations are recommended.
Lodi is home to 85 wineries that tend to be closed Tuesday-Wednesday. Interestingly Monday is a common open day. Most wineries are open Thursday-Monday. Plan your visit accordingly.
If you enjoy Zin, Syrah & Barbera, you owe it to yourself to visit Lodi. It’s home to the great Old & Ancient Vine Zinfandels dating back to the late 1800s. They’re a sight to see and a wonderful taste.
Some notes on our wine ranking system.
Bill & Erin Hodge write about California Wine, the estates & winemakers producing them and educational information about Vino. Living in California Wine Country provides a front row seat to the places you want to visit the most here in the Golden State.
– -✰ means -What’s next on your list of wines
-✰ means -Not liking it too much
✰ means -We’ll drink this wine, especially if it’s hosted!
✰+ means -You’ve got our attention and we might buy this wine.
✰+ + means -We’re hooked and we’re going to buy this wine.
When you see -✰/✰+ with a slash, it means we disagree.
