My first ever wine tasting happened in Lodi, California, right as a I turned 21. Not only was it my first wine tasting, I’m fairly certain I had my first sips of red wines, and to top it off, I ended up buying a bottle of Old Vine Zinfandel. I bought another bottle not too long ago. I recently bought another bottle, and despite a good amount of time having passed from then and now, it tasted as I last remember.

Only difference is, I know what I’m tasting now thanks to a more experienced palette. Like most Zinfandels, the Old Vine Zin is jammy, packed full of berry flavors and milk chocolate, finished with the taste of mocha, which is bittersweet. Like a lot of red wines, it pairs well with rich, bold, spicy flavors (think barbecue or pasta).