Steve and Lori Felten, fifth generation grape growers in the Lodi region, continue the tradition of cultivating "Old Vine" Zinfandel vineyards that their ancestors planted in the early 1900's.
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.
Grapes were originally packed in boxes for shipment to the East Coast and Canada for the purpose of home winemaking. In the early days of production, nearly all of the Zinfandel grapes were shipped with the exception of grapes that were used for making wine at home.
By the mid 1930's, grapes were sold primarily to cooperatives and larger, private wineries with a small portion of the production shipped east.
Historically, the vineyards were irrigated by flood or ditch irrigation and the inability to regulate the amount of water applied resulted in larger yields of marginal quality. In the late 1980's, drip irrigation was introduced, providing the ability to control the amount of water applied to each vine. This resulted in the ability to control the vigor of the vine, healthier fruit and ultimately, lower yields. With the introduction of more sophisticated vineyard practices, including shoot thinning, leaf pulling, color thinning and the removal of a second crop, the ability to produce the grapes of exceptional quality was realized.
Part of the extended Felten Family includes their winemaker, Barry Gnekow, who is responsible for crafting the wines from the inaugural vintage. Barry, a Davis graduate with over 25 years of experience of winemaking, has a unique ability to bring the best of the vineyard into the cellar, year after year, producing wines of distinction for Klinker Brick.
Another extended family member is Lynne Whyte Barnard, the President of Klinker Brick Winery. Lynne has brought a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to the winery, having owned her own wholesale company and directing sales and marketing for prestigious wine producers in California. She was instrumental in the development of the Old Ghost wine, label design and has been responsible for selling all of the vintages produced to date, developing national and international distribution.
5c
California » Mokelumne River
"Our 2015 Old Vine Zinfandel is a blend of 16 different vineyard blocks of old vine zinfandel vineyards with an average age of 87 years.
5cCalifornia » Mokelumne River
The Old Ghost represents the best Zinfandel that Klinker Brick produces each year. The smaller berries harvested from this 100 year old vineyard in Lodi
6dCalifornia » Mokelumne River
"The 2015 Syrah exhibits aromas of ripe plum, cacao,and smoky oak with subtle earthy and floral notes. The palate is greeted with bright and vibrant
3dCalifornia » Mokelumne River
"The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits remarkable balance.Sixteen months on French Oak encouraged extraordinary dry complex structure layered with aromas of blackberry,baking spices and clove. Flavors
Pleasant flavors of ripe strawberries, grapefruit and subtle watermelon, coupled with a dry composition, gently caresses the palate. A blend of Carignane, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache
Wine Enthusiast 92 "While quite ripe and fruity, this wine is also dry, nicely tannic and firmly textured, so it will pair beautifully with rich proteins.
Wine Spectator 91 "A big, rich, full-bodied and expressive mix of spicy, beefy flavors, this deeply fruited Syrah flirts with berry jam yet gains depth and
"Our 2012 Syrah expresses blackberry, currant and plum on the nose with hints of smoky oak, spice and pepper. On the palate, this delicious wine
"Deep garnet in color, this wine exhibits aromas of dark fruits, tobacco, leather and pepper. On the palate, there are with layers of plum, chocolate,
Wine Spectator 89 "Should appeal to fans of intensely ripe and jammy Zinfandels. The aromas of raisin and charred spice lead to zesty and slightly hot
"Produced from vines with an average age of 85 years, this delicious wine exhibits a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and Satsuma plum, intermingled with
"The 2010 vintage in Lodi was extraordinary with a long, cool growing season yielding beautiful, evenly ripened fruit. With aromas of black cherry, cedar shavings,
"With aromas of black currant, raspberry, tobacco, and white pepper, this full-bodied wine shows flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate and spicy oak on the palate.
"Our 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel is a blend of 16 different vineyard blocks of old vine zinfandel vineyards with an average age of 85 years.
"Our 2013 Syrah expresses blackberry, currant and plum on the nose with hints of smoky oak, spice and pepper. On the palate, this delicious wine
"Our 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel is a blend of 16 different vineyard blocks of old vine zinfandel vineyards with an average age of 85 years. With berries
"The Old Ghost represents the best zinfandel that Klinker Brick produces each year. Brambleberry fruit aromas intermingled with anise, clove and exotic spice, echo previous
Wine Enthusiast 90 "Editors’ Choice" "Charred oak aromas and flavors are paramount in this assertive, bold and tannic wine. By themselves the smoky, peppery aspects would make
"Sixteen months on French oak encouraged extraordinary dry and complex structure layered with aromas of blackberry, cassis and clove. Flavors of cherry, currant, leather and
"Bricks & Roses is a blend of Grenache (38%), Carignane (30%), Syrah (24%), and Mourvedre (8%) with aromas of citrus, a hint of floral fragrance
Wine Enthusiast 90 "This wine is rich, ripe, concentrated and almost sweet. It's wonderful to smell the raspberry syrup aromas, taste the blueberry and blackberry flavors
"The Old Ghost represents the best Old Vine Zinfandel that Klinker Brick produces each year from some of our oldest vineyard blocks. Botanicals andmixed berry
"Bricks & Roses is a blend of Grenache (38%), Carignane (30%), Syrah (24%), and Mourvedre (8%) with aromas of citrus, a hint of floral fragrance and a
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