Old Moon 2003 Zinfandel

Trader Joe's has another great, inexpensive Zinfandel.  I like the Old Moon 2003 California Old Vine Zinfandel ($6 per bottle) almost as much the Quivira 2000 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel they carried for all too brief a time for $5 per bottle two years ago.

I can't find any web site for Old Moon, nor any photos of the wine, but here's the description on the label:

Made with fruit from vines 35 to 70 years old, this Zin has a luscious nose of spice and black cherry, revealing plum and cherry flavors with a hint of vanilla on a finish of soft tannins. Pair this Zinfandel with equally strong flavors like blue cheese, rib-eye steak and roast beef.

Ah, now I know why I like it so much: it's "chewy", according to this description from Wine Slob:

Chewy describes this one well. It's a bloody slab of wine, maybe not the best cut, but not the bottom of the menu either. There's a bit of black pepper on the nose (stashed in the back) and flavors of pie filling and old raisins. This wine is thick and will make you work. Have fun!

Comments

[Bobbi Petersen]

We, too, picked up a bottle of the Old Moon and loved it! I sent my husband back to Trader Joe's to pick up a case, and they were out! My favorite Zin is Rombauer, but the Old Moon is a great value. We couldn't believe it was only $5 - $6 a bottle. Don't tell TJ's! I couldn't find a website on Old Moon either. Enjoy!

[Michael]

My fiancé and I had picked up a random bottle of Zin (Renwood, "Old Vine") at BevMo one day and loved it. We weren't able to come across another Zin that matched that flavor until we found the Trader Moon's Old Moon, "Old Vine" the other day at Trader Joe's. We went back the next day to find that there were only two bottle left (and of course we snatched up both!) So, after a few days wait, they finally restocked and we bought another 8! (In fact, I just finished off our third bottle, so we now have 8 more to drink!) I'm a year late though, as these are 04's. I'm really excited to see how they age in another year or so.

[A Revsin]

My guess is that the Old Moon Zin is made by Delicato for Trader Joe's

[Lora]

I'm taking mine back. It tastes like shellfish. really disgusting. definitely not corked, but definitely BAD

[Jaime M]

I'm a fan of the Old Moon Zin. I hope TJ's has more when I go back. On a side note, I poured someone a glass (by no means a wine expert) and he told me it was the best Zin he's ever had. I chuckled.

[Collin]

Well, I'm no expert, but the 2005 was quite bad. It is very immature and has absolutely zero finish. Very fruity, but nothing more. I'd avoid the 2005, or stick it in the wine rack for a while. Even for $6, I wasn't impressed at all. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.