Make 28–30 bottles of Winexpert's top-tier range. The Winexpert Private Reserve California Lodi Old Vines Zinfandel kit uses a full 14L of grape concentrate and is ready to bottle in 6–8 weeks, delivering a rich, bold red with crushed berry and smoky aromas.
Tasting Notes
Crushed berry and smoky aromas, full of dark berry flavours, nuanced oak and spice. Rich, fruity and bold with a lingering finish. Sourced from old-vine Lodi Zinfandel — one of California's most characterful growing regions — this is Winexpert's ultra-premium tier at its most generous.
Wine Profile
- Style: Dry, full-bodied red
- Oak: Medium
- Alcohol: 14%
- Grape concentrate: 14L | Makes 23L (28–30 bottles)
What Equipment Do You Need?
A 23-litre fermentation vessel, airlock, hydrometer, siphon, and 28–30 bottles. New to winemaking? Our wine starter kits bundle all essentials. Always sanitise with VWP or ChemSan for best results.
Upgrading your yeast: for a bold, full-bodied style like this, try Mangrove Jack's R56, built for rich reds with real aromatic depth — a good match for old-vine Zinfandel's power.
Fermentation Timeline
Week 1–3: Primary fermentation at 20–22°C for reds.
Week 4–6: Add finings and allow to clear.
Week 6–8: Bottle and age for 2–3 months before drinking.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep temperature stable at 20–22°C — with 14L of concentrate this style ferments slow and steady
- This is a serious, bold red — give it real cellar time if you can
- Allow the wine to clear completely before bottling
- Age for minimum 3–6 months for the smoke and spice to fully integrate
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