Seghesio Family Vineyards’ 2023 Old Vine Zinfandel is a Sonoma County red built around fruit from mature plantings—“old vine” here means vineyards at least 50 years old, averaging about 75 years. The wine is labeled at 15.0% alcohol, a level that tends to suit the variety’s naturally ripe profile while still leaving room for structure. Seghesio’s broader farming story also matters: the family has deep roots with Sonoma Zinfandel (they first planted at their Home Ranch in 1895) and today farms substantial acreage sustainably, including head-trained old vines that require hands-on work in the vineyard.

In the glass, the reviews point to a classic, spice-tinged Sonoma Zin rather than a simple fruit bomb. Wine Enthusiast’s Tom R. Capo highlights an aromatic set that’s both ripe and defined: “concentrated cherry, raspberry liqueur, and cinnamon aromas,” followed by a palate with “plush tannin” and “supple acidity.” His flavor description—“roasted cherries, berry compote, plum, and licorice through the finish”—suggests a wine that leans into dark, baked fruit tones without losing balance.

Wine Spectator also frames it as a traditional-leaning expression, calling it “an old-school Zin that’s loaded with zest and briar patch,” and noting “raspberry, savory anise and white pepper flavors that end with snappy tannins.” The publication’s drink window, “now through 2033,” points to near-term approachability with enough grip to hold for several years.

Critical reception is strong. Wine Enthusiast awards 92 points, and Wine Spectator also rates it 92 points—excellent reviews that place this bottle squarely in the reliably high-performing tier for Sonoma County old-vine Zinfandel.