Birichino, Bechthold Vineyard Old Vines Cinsault 2018, 750mL

2018, 750mL Lest anyone dispute the virtues of old vines, one need only look to Bechthold Vineyard in Lodi. Farmed organically and without irrigation, this vineyard produces the Bechthold Cinsault Rouge, the emblem of the Birichino style. It tips in at a mere 12.5% alcohol with an unimpeachably civilized greeting; the handshake squeezes more forcefully than anticipated. It acts like nothing so much as an old school Cru Beaujolais—all violets and room temperature molten rock. 100% Cinsault Organic, Unfiltered Mokelumne River, United States