94 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$38 list] As chewy and umami, salty delicious as a mouthful of crunchy bacon. Throw in dried blackberries and blueberries, with a touch of smoky new oak, and that describes this fantastically pure, addictively good Zinfandel. The grape sourcing is from old vineyards in the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. Truly a great Zin... Alcohol 15.0%. (Mar 2012)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "[$38 list] Ripe but well-structured, with wild berry and licorice aromas and rich, layered flavors of plum and smoked pepper that are balanced with a great backbone of acidity and tannins. Drink now through 2017. (12/31/11)"

91 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "[$38 list] As with most Seghesio Zinfandels, this one leaves little behind in its construction. Full, deep, rich and very ripe, it favors blackberry and spice in its aromas and picks up a slight minerally note along the way. Its shares a bent to sturdiness with its mate below from the Rockpile area and shows a touch more flesh in its texture. It is, of course, no shrinking violet and will want service with foods like savory sausages in red sauce. (Jan 2012)"

91 points California Grapevine: "[$38 list] Medium-dark to dark ruby color; attractive, intense, briary, herbal, dark cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of cedar chest, black pepper, and vanilla; full body; big, rich, briary, concentrated, dark berry fruit flavors with peppery notes; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended. 15.0% alcohol; blended with 10% Petite Sirah; released October 2011. (Aug 2012)" Producer notes: "Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel blends the finest lots from vineyards planted between 1920 and 1950 on the benchlands of the Dry Creek and western Alexander valleys. Although 'old vine' is often loosely interpreted in the wine industry, our benchmark is 50 years. True old vine Zinfandel is distinguished by dry-farmed, thick, gnarled trunks and is planted with historic clones dating back to the years before Prohibition. In each of these old blocks, vines of Carignane and/or Petite Sirah are interplanted, as was typical of the era. Deeply perfumed aromas of dark berries and old vine Zin’s intrinsic briary spiciness. Layered bright fruit flavors reminiscent of a rich berry pie with a toasted crust. Old vine Zinfandel’s complex spice undertones. Low yields in the vineyard preserved the vibrant natural acidity and balanced tannins. Long, persistent finish. Food affinities: Beef, barbecue, spicy cuisine and French bleu cheese. Alcohol 15%."