Winexpert Private Reserve - Zinfandel (Lodi Old Vines, California)

Winexpert Private Reserve Zinfandel Wine Kit (Lodi Old Vines, California)

If you're after that classic, big, jammy Zinfandel experience, this Winexpert Private Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel kit is a really solid choice.

It uses juice concentrate from those gnarly old vines in Lodi, California, which are famous for producing super concentrated, flavourful grapes.

Like Winexpert's other top-tier red kits, this one includes a grape skin pack.

That's pretty crucial for getting the authentic colour, tannins, and overall complexity you expect from a good Zin.

If you want to make a bold, impressive red with that signature Lodi character, this kit delivers.

What This Kit Makes

Get ready for a proper California Zinfandel experience.

You'll notice aromas of crushed berries right away, maybe with some smoky hints in the background.

Flavour-wise, it's all about those dark berries – think blackberry, maybe some dark cherry or plum – layered with some nice complexity from the oak and a bit of spice.

It's definitely a dry red and full-bodied, not shy at all.

The finish is bold and sticks around, leaving you with that satisfying fruity warmth.

It's got that richness you often associate with Zinfandel, but with good structure thanks to the skins and oak.

What You’ll Need to Make It

The box has all the ingredients covered: the 14L Lodi Old Vine juice blend, specific yeast, stabilizers, clarifying agents, the grape skin pack, and oak. Instructions too, of course. But you'll need your own basic gear. If you're starting from scratch, grab a winemaking starter kit. Otherwise, just make sure you have:

• A primary fermenter (needs to be ~30L / 7.9 gal minimum for the skins).
• A 6-gallon (23 L) carboy for secondary.
• An airlock and bung/stopper.
• Siphoning equipment (racking cane/auto-siphon + tubing).
• A hydrometer and test jar (don't skip this!).
• Good no-rinse sanitizer.
• About 30 clean 750ml wine bottles.
• Corks and a corker for bottling day.

Kit Specifications

A Winemaker’s Tip

With Old Vine Zinfandel, patience after bottling is your friend. Sure, it's ready to bottle in 6-8 weeks, but those intense flavours need time to really come together and mellow out. The tannins will soften, and the fruit becomes less sharp, more integrated.

Try to forget about it in your cellar (or a cool, dark closet) for at least 6 months. Honestly, the notes say it peaks after 12 months, and I believe it. Don't rush drinking this one; you'll be rewarded if you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Old Vine" actually mean for the wine?

Basically, older Zinfandel vines (like, decades old) naturally produce fewer grapes, but the ones they do produce have much more concentrated flavours and intensity. So, "Old Vine" usually signals a richer, deeper, more complex wine compared to Zin from younger vines. You really taste it in the finished product.

How does this compare to other Zinfandels?

This kit definitely leans towards the bolder, richer style of Lodi Zin, with noticeable dark fruit, spice, and those smoky notes from the oak. It's not like some lighter Zins you might find. If you like Zinfandels that are full-bodied and intense, this is more in that camp. It brings the flavour!

Zinfandel can sometimes taste sweet, is this one sugary?

Nope, this one ferments out fully dry. Zinfandel naturally has really fruity flavours (like jammy berries), which some people perceive as sweetness, but there's very little actual sugar left in the finished wine. It's packed with fruit flavour, but it's technically a dry red.

What kind of food pairs well with this Zin?

This wine loves food with robust flavours! Think grilled meats (burgers, ribs, steak), barbecue, anything smoked, or even hearty pasta dishes. It would also be great with some strong, aged cheeses. Its boldness stands up well to big flavours.