With his 94-Point Monte Rio Zinfandel, winemaker Patrick Cappiello captures all the fruit, fun and authenticity we love in an old-vine California Zinfandel, and does so for a totally crazy price!

“Our philosophy is handcrafted wines in the spirit of old California. Which means low-intervention and organically-farmed, savory, high-acid, lower-alcohol wines. I thought I could do that by producing something that had the soul of the old world and over-deliver with value.”
- Patrick Cappiello, Monte Rio Cellars

By combining undervalued, near-century-old vines in the Lodi region with low intervention, natural winemaking technique, he has done something really special here. Clocking in at 13.5% ABV, there are no hard edges or excesses, just a feel-good throwback red that will put a real smile on your face.

Check out the impressive reviews from Wine Enthusiast and Jeb Dunnuck, and scroll down further for a crack at mineral-bomb beauty from Andrew Jones, then slam that Big Green Button to get in on these great old-vine bottlings!

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2023 Monte Rio "Old Vines" Zinfandel
Lodi, California
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Patrick crafts his Monte Rio Zinfandel from a trio of organically-farmed, own-rooted vineyard in Lodi. Planted 96 to 137 years ago, these vines survived prohibition, and many of them were already middle-aged during the Great Depression!

Friendly like a hug from your great uncle from Italy, this brightly textured red features a load of brambleberry, high-toned bing cherries, grilled fennel, juicy blueberries, wildflowers, black spruce, black pepper, crushed stone and clover blossom. Yum! There are hard edges here, and it is a blast to drink with, or without, barbecue.

Made using whole cluster fruit, it undergoes a short carbonic maceration in concrete with native yeast before being transferred to stainless steel to finish its ferment. Aged for 10 months in neutral oak barrels, with minimal sulfur usage, this wine receives a level of attention that seems simply outrageous for the price!

“There are many locations where old vine material is used in Lodi. I love that these vineyards are being honored and utilized more in selections offered to enjoy. I like to quote this classic expression of Zinfandel as having so many different 'faces'. While this wine is robust, it is still fresh and bright, with aromas of Boysenberry, dark plum, Tahitian vanilla, and notes of violet on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Blackberry jam, coffee beans, molasses, and grilled citrus slices, with simmering spices and grippy tannins on the finish. Aerate and enjoy with smoked brisket.”
          - 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast (12/31/2025) 

“Coming from own-rooted vines in Lodi and blending multiple harvests from 1889-1930 plantings fermented separately with a touch of whole cluster, the 2023 Zinfandel Old Vine pours a bright ruby red hue with expressive red plums, menthol, wildflowers, and stony earth. Medium to full-bodied, it offers savory, tangy acidity, ripe tannins, and excellent freshness. Drink 2026-2040.”
          - 90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (6/30/2026) 

Looking online we find just five listings. Our price smokes them all. Our hats off to Patrick, the value here is simply fantastic!

Vin Chicago Price: 19.99

A Mineral Driven Vin Chicago Exclusive from 100-Year-Old Vines!

Crafted by Andrew Jones from 100-year-old bush vines in California's Chalone AVA, this gorgeous white is a mineral driven masterpiece!

Intended for use in Andrew's wine club, we discovered this old-vine beauty during a recent Central Coast visit, snapped up the last dozen cases, and bring it to you today, as a Vin Chicago exclusive, at a bonkers price.

Densely packed, this 12.1% ABV white offers velvety layers of fresh golden apple, vibrant salty minerals, jasmine rice, dried quince and hay. It is an awesome, dry Chenin.

This is the third mineral-driven, Euro-lookalike white we've offered this year from the limestone/granite soils of this tiny appellation among the Galiban Mountains near the base of Pinnacles National Monument. Both previous times, you've swept up our inventory in no time flat.

We can’t find a single listing for this wine anywhere on the planet. Until Andrew poured a sample for us during our visit, we didn't even know it existed! This straight-up mineral bomb may be Andrew’s best-kept secret and our supply will go fast.

Vin Chicago Price: 21.99