Why it matters
The producer
In 1985, Rodney and Gayla Schatz bought their first property, 40 acres of Old Vine Zinfandel in the Lodi Appellation. Rodney Schatz is a third generation Lodi grower, and the pair still own and operate Peltier Winery & Vineyards. Peltier is based in Acampo, California.
Rodney handles farming and bulk wine, while Gayla manages finances. A 2005 Petite Sirah prompted Peltier to bottle wine under its own label, and that wine later won Best of Class and Best of Region at the California State Fair.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Lodi appears on the bottle and in the fruit supply. The grapes for American Dream Zinfandel 2023 come mainly from vineyards in Lodi, while the custom crush operation can use certified sustainable Lodi fruit or competitively sourced outside fruit. Lodi is therefore both the main origin for the 2023 Zinfandel and one source available to the wider facility.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named red range has two vintages of American Dream Zinfandel, 2023 and 2021, alongside American Dream Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. The 2023 Zinfandel is 75% Zinfandel and 25% Petite Sirah, with 75% of the wine aged for four months in oak barrels. The 2021 Zinfandel was fermented and macerated in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, then transferred to French and American oak after pressing.
The 2023 Zinfandel is dry and full bodied, with sweet red cherry, raspberry, dark plum and dusty mineral aromas. It has just under medium high acidity, soft round tannins and a reasonably long, sweet fruited finish, with oak, blackberry, vanilla, blueberry, mint and chocolate in the flavor.