Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/759555
december 2016 / the tasting panel / 81 The nes The 50,000-gallon barrel made from California redwoods houses the Oak Ridge tasting room. It moved from the old Roma Winery across the street to its current location in 1965. Tank No. 150 is roughly 16 feet high and 23 feet in diameter, making for an intimate and unique tasting experience. OZV Rosé (NV) (SRP $13) Light and fruity aromas of white peach and strawberry. Dry, refreshing and juicy with flavors of raspberry and ruby red grapefruit. Silk Oak 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $15) Flinty, gooseberry, white chalk and citrus aromas. Bright, vibrant flavors of Asian pear, Meyer lemon and kumquats. More fruity than herbaceous with a refreshing finish. Maggio 2015 Petite Sirah (SRP $11) A seductive nose with inky, black fruit aromas and subtle hints of tar. Full in body but approachable tannins, juicy flavors of black- berry, hoisin and cocoa with a long finish. Moss Roxx 2013 Ancient Vine Zinfandel (SRP $23) One of Oak Ridge's higher end brands, made from Zinfandel vines 100 years old or more that produce on average as little as one to three tons of fruit per acre. Inviting aromas of grilled meat, smoked bacon, black cherry, mulberry, nutmeg and hints of tobacco. Its robust palate echoes the aromatics with grippy tannins and a flavorful, juicy finish. 2014 OZV Zinfandel (SRP $13) Aromas of raspberry jam, baking spices and black pepper. Flavors of black cherry and dark chocolate with softer, mocha-like tannins. The nose and palate make for a very classic, lower- alcohol Zinfandel that's perfect for food pairing. for its brandy. Today, visitors to Oak Ridge are delighted to experi- ence wines inside this vintage, larger-than-life barrel. The tasting room has witnessed more and more visitors each year as Lodi's reputation continues to spread. "Before, Lodi wasn't seen as making quality wine or as a place to stay and taste," said Maggio-Casity. "This has really changed over the years, and we all produce a good quality wine." For the Maggio family, it's all about producing wines that are good, consistent and easy on the budget. Not everyone can afford to drink wines over $30, and Lodi as a whole is solving that problem for everyday consum- ers. Maggio-Casity adds, "Our customers taste our wines and they can't believe the quality for the price they're paying."