2022 Carol Shelton Monga Zin, Lopez Vineyard, Cucamonga Valley AVA, California

In 1978, Carol Shelton was one of the first twelve women to graduate from the UC Davis enology program — entering an industry that was not yet ready for her. She showed up anyway, performed the rigorous cellar work that women weren’t expected to do, mastered flavor chemistry as an early authority on yeast strain performance, and earned “Winemaker of the Year” honors five times over a career that would eventually earn her the title everyone in the wine world knows her by: the Queen of Zin. After nearly two decades at Windsor Vineyards, she launched Carol Shelton Wines in 2000 alongside her husband with a singular, mission-driven focus: to preserve and champion California’s historic, single-vineyard old vine Zinfandels before they disappear. The Monga Zin is the crown jewel of that mission.

“Monga” — short for humongous — is the only word that fits. The Lopez Vineyard in Cucamonga Valley was planted in 1918 and has been dry-farmed ever since. Over a century of deep-rooted vines producing concentrated, complex, deeply Californian Zinfandel that no new planting could ever replicate. The 2022 vintage opens with vibrant aromas of deep black cherry, red raspberry, and orange zest, layered with anise and cedar. On the palate: a massive, ripe berry patch — red plum, dusty vanilla-caramel oak, graham crackers, rich cocoa, and a Moroccan-Asian baking spice mélange of Chinese five-spice, white pepper, and saffron. Creamy mouthfeel brightened by tangy cherry acidity, structured with firm, sturdy tannins, and a long, lush finish. Drinkable now — and built to age 15 to 20 years. It is usually sold out. Get it while you can.

Wine Details & Tasting Notes

Tasting Notes: Vibrant aromas of deep black cherry, red raspberry, and orange zest layered with anise and cedar. Massive and concentrated on the palate — ripe berry patch, red plum, dusty vanilla-caramel oak, graham crackers, and rich cocoa interwoven with Chinese five-spice, white pepper, and saffron. Creamy mouthfeel, tangy cherry acidity, firm sturdy tannins, and a long, lush, deeply satisfying finish.

• Origin – Lopez Vineyard, Cucamonga Valley AVA, California, USA (vines planted 1918; century-old dry-farmed old vines)
• Producer – Carol Shelton Wines; woman-owned; Carol Shelton — the Queen of Zin; one of the first twelve women to graduate from UC Davis enology (1978); five-time Winemaker of the Year; pioneer of yeast strain flavor chemistry; founded 2000 to preserve California’s historic single-vineyard old vine Zinfandels
• Blend – 90% Zinfandel, 4% Touriga Nacional, 4% Carignane, 2% Viognier
• Farming – Dry-farmed; century-old vines
• Aging – Built to age 15–20 years; approachable now
• Style – Dry red wine (full-bodied; concentrated; old vine; age-worthy; prestige)
• ABV – 14.8%

Food Pairing

The black cherry, red plum, baking spice, cocoa, vanilla-caramel oak, and massive tannic structure of this Cucamonga Valley old vine Zinfandel make it a natural and powerful companion for the boldest, most richly flavored dishes you can put on the table. Pairs beautifully with BBQ brisket, slow-smoked ribs, and grilled lamb — the dark fruit and spice character amplify smoke and char brilliantly. The Chinese five-spice and saffron complexity make it a genuinely exciting match for Moroccan-spiced lamb tagine, duck with cherry sauce, and bold, deeply flavored braises. Also exceptional alongside aged hard cheeses, dark chocolate, and a well-built charcuterie board. Decant 30–45 minutes to open the full complexity. Serve at 64–68°F.

Occasion

This is your go-to California old vine Zinfandel — the bottle for Shades of Vino Club selections, serious wine gifting, milestone celebrations, and sharing with the Zinfandel lover who wants to understand why century-old, dry-farmed Cucamonga vines produce something no other California wine region can replicate. Made by the Queen of Zin herself — a woman who spent 40+ years proving that old vines and great winemaking deserve to be preserved together. It is usually sold out. Do not wait.

Wine Producer / Historical Notes

Carol Shelton is one of the most accomplished and pioneering winemakers in California history. Among the first twelve women to graduate from the UC Davis enology program in 1978, she entered an industry defined by gender barriers and broke through them methodically — performing rigorous cellar work, mastering yeast strain flavor chemistry as an early authority in the field, and earning “Winemaker of the Year” honors five times throughout her career. After nearly two decades at Windsor Vineyards, she and her husband launched Carol Shelton Wines in 2000 with a singular mission: to find, preserve, and champion California’s historic single-vineyard old vines before they are lost forever. The Monga Zin — from century-old, dry-farmed Lopez Vineyard vines planted in 1918 in the Cucamonga Valley AVA — is the fullest expression of that mission. Concentrated, complex, and deeply Californian, it is a wine that could only come from vines that have been growing in the same soil for over 100 years, tended by a winemaker who has dedicated her life to making sure the world knows their names.

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