What happens when a husband and wife launch their dream winery in Amador County and hire one of the greatest winemakers in the world to guide their program? Absolute. California. Magic.

“Winemaker Philippe Melka couldn't make a bad wine if he tried.”
- Food & Wine Magazine (1/31/2023)

Crafted by Atelier Melka, today's headliner comes from seriously old, sustainably farmed Zinfandel vines located at high elevation in the Sierra Foothills. Earning 92 points from Wine Spectator and delivering a level of complexity not normally found at this price, the 2022 Painted Hills is a seriously impressive wine, and we absolutely love it.

Read on for the full story, and for an equally impressive old-vine Semillon from the same team, then click down on the Big Green Button to experience these new Vin Chicago finds!

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2022 Painted Fields "Old Vine" Zinfandel
Sierra Foothills, California
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Andy Friedlander and Janis Akuna launched their winery in 2010 among gorgeous old vines in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Six years later, they hired Napa legend Philippe Melka to take things to the next level.

Crafted by Philippe and his team from vines up to 100 years old, the 2022 Painted Fields is absolutely delicious. Gobs of juicy raspberry, strawberry and blueberry are complicated by nuances of spice cake, pepper, vanilla bean and ground dark roast coffee.

There's a sensual texture and sophisticated structure here that is more expected from a $40 bottling, than one that goes for just $18.99. Long and wonderfully balanced on the finish, this earns 91+ on our scale, and we’re probably being too stingy. Wine Spectator goes a bit higher, describing this quite sensational wine as...

“Sleek and elegantly structured, with vibrant and fragrant cherry, raspberry, briar patch and spice accents that zip along the bright, zesty finish. Drink now through 2032. 2,209 cases made.”
          - 92 Points, Wine Spectator (8/31/2025) 

Perfect on its own, it is the kind of wine that will drink favorably with all sorts of food, including grilled vegetables, grilled salmon, pulled pork sandwiches and spicy red sauce pasta dishes.

The winery sells this awesome red for $30. At a full 36% less, our special price is even better. What a wine!

Vin Chicago Price: 18.99

Plus a Beautiful Old-Vine California White from the Same Team!

2023 Andis "Bill Dillian Vineyard" Reserve Semillon
Sierra Foothills, California
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Made in the same winery as Painted Fields using the same Philippe Melka led team, Andy and Janis produced 623 cases of this beautiful white from a parcel of 40-year-old Semillon growing on the nearby property of Tom and LaVonne Dillian.

Allow this layered and plump white a bit of aeration in a decanter or your glass, then kick back and enjoy the defined orchard and citrus fruit flavors and notes of honey, macadamia and yellow flowers. Richly textured and mouthfilling, it is an absolute joy to taste and, for those with a sense of adventure, we suspect it will be quite ageworthy too!

Deeply packed with racy minerals and juicy, deep fruits, it earns a "wow we really love this"a 91-point rating from our team. Giving two points more, James Suckling writes...

“The nose is pure and precise, offering aromas of straw, Meyer lemons and lime zest. The palate is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, giving notes of green papayas, nectarines and orange blossoms. Very well constructed. Drink or hold.”
          - 93 Points, James Suckling (9/11/2024) 

The pairing options here are vast. We suggest that scallops or crab legs would be particularly tasty. Winery price is $35. That's a few bucks higher then we'd like to see and, fortunately, the winery is aggressive in pursuing retail sales!

Vin Chicago Price: 18.79