Steve and Lori Felten, fifth-generation grape growers in the Lodi region, continue the tradition of cultivating vineyards that their ancestors planted in the early 1900s. With roots in Germany, Russia and later the Dakotas, the family settled in Lodi, first producing watermelons. Recognizing that the soil and climate were ideal for growing grapes, they began to plant varieties that included Zinfandel, Tokay, Carignane, and Alicante. For over one hundred years, the family has cultivated the land with the aim of producing top-quality fruit. Zinfandel was one of the first grape varieties to be planted in the Lodi appellation, although it had also been established in other parts of California. Although their Old-Vine Zin is their claim to fame (and one of our best-selling wines), Klinker Brick produces some other equally amazing wines. We will sample three that are brand new to the shop:

Klinker Brick Grenache Blanc '23 — Most commonly found in Rhone wine blends, this Grenache Blanc exhibits aromas of lemon and Lychee on the nose. Crisp and bright on the palate with a hint of peach that leads into a silky-smooth finish. Rating: 92, Wine Enthusiast. 13.8% ABV. $22/7.50

Klinker Brick Dolcetto '20 — Dolcetto, which means "little sweet one" in Italian, is produced from the grape variety of the same name. Confusingly, it's not a sweet wine at all, but rather friendly with berry fruit and framed by occasionally pronounced but not overpowering tannins. It is primarily grown in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy but is occasionally grown in other parts of the world in relatively small pockets. Dolcetto wines are generally soft and medium-bodied with lots of juicy fruit flavors, subtle spicy aromas and earthy undertones. The fruit profile tends to be black cherry, plum and blackberry and you'll often notice a delicate floral note too. The KB Dolcetto offers aromatics of black cherry with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Bright cranberry and raspberry on the palate are coupled with balanced acid and structure. 14.5% ABV. $34/11.50

Klinker Brick 1850° Red Blend '21 — Generously concentrated notes of boysenberries straight from the bush, bramble, crunchy forest floor, fennel, licorice, bittersweet cacao and crushed violets fill every sniff and sip. The palate incorporates firm, structural tannins, modest acidity and—thanks to the voluptuousness of the fruit—carries the high alcohol quite well. Velvety texture leads to a smooth and lengthy finish. Rating: 92, Wine Enthusiast. 15% ABV. $36.50/12

Fun fact. Why “Klinker Brick”? Klinker Bricks are highly prized bricks that grace many of the historical buildings in Lodi, buldings at the winery. Chosen by Craftsmen architects in the 1920s for their distinctive qualities, including unique shapes and dark, rich color, they are denser and heavier in weight than regular bricks. “Klinker” refers to the unusual sound that they make when banged together, because of their density. Rich, deep color, enormous density, unique and distinctive features are the same qualities found in KB wines.

See you Friday!