• Archive: USA: California: Zinfandel

    Amici Cellars 2002 Zinfandel Napa Valley Panek Vineyard Old Vine ($30). Cracked black pepper laces vibrant, full-bodied blackberry and cherry fruit. Nicely concentrated with a spicy, peppery kick. Nicely balanced. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. (Weekend Wine 08/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Artezin 2003 Zinfandel California ($15). Straightforward and easy to like, with ripe red raspberry and juicy plum fruit accented with black pepper, vanilla and toasty oak. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 02/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Ballentine 2001 Zinfandel Napa Valley Block 9 ($27). Too much sweet cherry and vanilla up front, but then the big, ripe Zin body kicks in along with oak and cracked black pepper. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Bayliss & Fortune 1998 Zinfandel Mendocino County ($13). Fruit forward and spicy, this wine shows good depth of flavor and a lingering finish. Nice toasted oak note emerges on the finish. Soft tannins make it ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks, 04/01)  Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Beaulieu Vineyards

    2003 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($14). Jammy and full-bodied, with concentrated red cherry and strawberry flavors accented with sappy, briary herbs, soft spices, cocoa powder and dusty tannins. (Richard’s Picks 02/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1999 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($14). Outstanding wine, especially at this price! The knockout bouquet includes a first wave of red cherry fruit, followed by definite black pepper and spice. These notes are beautifully realized on the palate, along with concentrated berry fruit and rich oak. Generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 01/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1997 Zinfandel Napa Valley Signet Collection ($22). Spicy, rich, full bodied, this is a powerful Zinfandel. Great, juicy fruit with just enough oak, this is an outstanding wine that is drinking very well now and will only improve over the next few years. (Weekend Wine, 05/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Benessere 1999 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($25). Lots of structure and body reflected serious winemaking here, with concentrated currant accented with sophisticated herbal, white pepper, and toasted oak notes. Would have benefited from some more accessible, juicy fruit up front. Definitely needs some bottle age for the tannins to loosen up. Best after 2004. (Weekend Wine, 05/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Beringer 2003 Zinfandel California Old Vine Founders Estate ($11). Medium bodied, with sweet red cherry, warm spices and toasty vanilla. Not overly complex, but still tasty. Good for summer barbecue! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Bogle

    2001 Zinfandel California Old Vine ($11). Medium-bodied and evenly balanced, with bright red cherry and berry fruit swimming with spicy oak and black pepper. Not an overly complex or classic wine, but easy to drink and enjoy with casual, fun food. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2000 Zinfandel Old Vine Cuvee ($11). Jammy and bursting with concentrated red cherry and blackberry fruit, with touches of pepper and briar, finishing up with vanilla oak on the lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Another great buy from Bogle! (Weekend Wine, 04/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1999 Zinfandel California Old Vine Cuvee ($11). Another vintage, another best buy. Smooth plum and concentrated red berry fruit, accented with just enough black pepper kick. Food friendly and the price is certainly right on. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1998 Zinfandel California Old Vine Cuvee ($10) “Although ’98 was a tough year in California, we just had this wine with Santa Maria style tri-tip (grilled beef) last weekend after a long day of river rafting. It’s a jammy, juicy style with the deep raspberry fruit of warm climates and a bit of backbone from cooler vineyards. I noticed that it is starting to get some leathery, raisiny complexity to it now that it has been in the bottle for a bit. Winemaker Chris Smith is a master blender, and he delivers real value.” (ETFOFW, 10/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1997 Zinfandel California Old Vine Cuvee ($9). This wine made Bogle believers out of many of our participants. A wonderful combination of cherry and plum, made more interesting by the undertones of smoky herbs. An outstanding Zinfandel at an affordable price. (Wine Tastings, 8/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Brazin 2006 Zinfandel Lodi Old Vine ($19). The sample I received came with some rather silly packaging, which made me wonder if the wine was going to be any good. But it turned out better than expected, with appealing tang to the jammy strawberry fruit, along with blueberry, smooth chocolate and toasty vanilla notes. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-01)
    2005 Zinfandel California ($10). Yummy and at a great price. Slurpable red fruit, a kick of black pepper, and a spicy, toasty finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 10/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2004 Zinfandel California ($10). Jammy black cherry, blackberry nutmeg and clove linger through the juicy finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2001 Zinfandel North Coast ($14). Medium bodied, with sweet red cherry and strawberry fruit laced with smooth vanilla, a hit of alcohol, then a touch of black pepper. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Chateau La Paws 2002 Zinfandel Amador County ($15). From Zin experts Rosenblum Cellars, this is a fun, juicy, fruity wine that features bright red berry and cherry fruit accented with a zip of freshly cracked black pepper and a hit of sage and toasty oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Chateau Souverain
    2002 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($18). The hands-down tasting favorite, with medium- to full-bodied ripe berry fruit – blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, they’re all there – and rosemary, baking spices and fresh black pepper mingling nicely from start to lingering finish. Picks up toasty, vanilla oak at the end. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Wine Tasting 02/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2000 Zinfandel Dry Creek ($18). Jammy strawberry and blackberry fruit are ripe and tasty, with white pepper, toasty oak, and an appealing earthy note. Balanced and delicious! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 06/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Chumeia 2002 Zinfandel Paso Robles Dante Dusi Vineyard ($25). Spicy, dusty, slightly tart red cherry aromas and flavors are laced with mocha and a hit of cracked black pepper. Finishes with touches of mint and vanilla. Full-bodied but offering some balance and finesse. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Robyn’s Picks 12/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Clif Bar Family Winery 2005 Zinfandel Napa Valley Gary’s Improv ($32). Yup, that Clif Bar. Nice – with pretty cassis and blackberry jam fruit accented with spice, chocolate and toast, staying polished through the smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Richard’s Picks 08/08)
    Cline
    2003 Zinfandel Contra Costa County Live Oak ($25). A bit of a marvel, this one. Somehow the truckloads of eucalyptus aromas and flavors, super ripe red cherry and plum fruit, rich mocha, earthy vanilla, generous oak notes and high alcohol all come together in an unexpectedly smooth balance and lingering finish. Certainly nothing shy about this one, but tasty! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 10/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2001 Zinfandel California Ancient Vines ($15). Pretty red berry and plum flavors are laced with baking spices, dried herbs and smooth, vanillin oak. Stays focused and balanced through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 08/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 California Zinfandel ($9). Having heard good things about this Cline Zinfandel, I was anxious to give it a try. As I grabbed the last bottle on the shelf, I took this apparent popularity as another promising sign. I popped the cork and was definitely not disappointed. Nice spice and a splash of mocha. (ETFOFW, 10/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Coulson 2000 Zinfandel El Dorado Safari Vineyard ($18). Black cherry and blueberry fruit is concentrated and ripe, with good tannic structure. White pepper and spices pick-up through the appealing finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. (Holiday Zins, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Crane Canyon 1999 Zinfandel Russian River Valley ($24). I liked this wine – good medium body and balance make it enjoyable, with ripe round fruit, good spice, and a nice finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Richard’s Picks, 11/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Dancing Bull 2004 Zinfandel California ($12). Soft and easy to like, with medium-bodied strawberry and red cherry flavors laced with spicy black pepper and sweet vanilla. Finishes juicy. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 02/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    D-Cubed
    2001 Zinfandel Howell Mountain ($35). A “Wow!” wine if ever there was one, offering intense, ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit beautifully integrated with white pepper, truffle, and exotic spices. Finishes long and rich. Wonderful now and over the next five or six years. (Richard’s Picks 08/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2001 Zinfandel Howell Mountain Black Sears Vineyard ($45). Pretty black cherry and berry aromas and flavors are laced with vanilla and moderate black pepper. Smooth mouthfeel, with integrated tannins and a lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Richard’s Picks 08/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    De Loach
    2002 Zinfandel Russian River Valley ($18). Light to medium bodied, with sweet vanilla that almost overwhelms it, but then pulls back to modest raspberry and red cherry fruit. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2000 Zinfandel Russian River Valley ($18). Ripe and jammy, with blueberry and red cherry fruit mixing with toasty vanilla oak and touches of black pepper and leather. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 08/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Russian River Valley Saitone Ranch ($23). This is one of those lighter style Zins that are just not my favorites. And although the fruity profile (think strawberries) and touch of smokiness are pleasant enough, I’m not sure that they equate to a good value at this price. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks, 11/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Russian River Valley Pelletti Ranch ($22). This is just a really good wine. It is a good deep color, and it has tasty ripe fruit flavors and spice. I recently had it with a meal
    featuring lamb stew, and it was a wonderful combination. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 12/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    de Lorimier 2007 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Stone Ranch ($28). Big and ripe and alcoholic, but somehow manages to also offer some silky elegance. With black and red berry fruit accented with rich baking spices and vanilla, along with touches of mint, chocolate and black pepper on the plummy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-18)
    Deerfield Ranch
    2000 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Old Vines Buchignani Vineyard ($40). Huge wine (16.4% alcohol) with massive sweet vanilla oak on the bouquet and palate. Ripe red cherry and blueberry fruit, with loads of creamy milk chocolate. A meal in and of itself. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Old Vines Dry Creek Valley Buchignani Vineyard ($40). Deeply colored, with super-ripe fruit that includes jammy blackberry and cherry, accented with cedar and black pepper. Turns more elegant and polished on the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Robyn’s Picks 04/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Dry Creek Vineyards
    2000 Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vines ($21). Overripe, almost stewed, red berry and plum fruit, with spicy vanillin oak accents. Lacking the bright, racy profile of a really good Zinfandel. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2000 Zinfandel Sonoma County Heritage Clone ($15). Ripe, bright red cherry with waves of spice and toasty oak. A lot of wine for the money. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine 01/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Sonoma County Heritage Clone ($15). Good ripe black cherry and currant fruit with a touch of espresso on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks, 02/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1996 Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vines ($15). Hands down, clear cut, no brainer, favorite. Everyone focused on the long, complex finish. A big mouthful of plummy tannins was appreciated all around. (Wine Tastings, 8/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Dynamite Vineyards 2003 Zinfandel Mendocino County ($17). Nice tartness offsets red cherry and strawberry flavors, with a subtle zip of black pepper. Dry tannins emerge on the focused finish. Good with a juicy burger or steak! (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Easton 1999 Zinfandel Amador ($11). This is good example of a value priced Zinfandel that still packs a good flavor punch. Juicy and ripe, with blueberry and cherry fruit and a touch of spice. This is light to medium bodied wine that matches well with just about any food. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks, 02/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    EOS Estate Winery
    2001 Zinfandel Paso Robles ($16). A berry compote of a Zin, bursting with ripe blueberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit, and laced with warm cinnamon spice, anise, and a touch of vanillin oak. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 06/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Paso Robles ($15). An addition of 12% Petite Sirah adds plenty of backbone to this very enjoyable wine. Ripe blueberry and blackberry fruit are touched with white pepper, mint, and toasted oak. Nice balance, generous finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    The Federalist 2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Estate Grown ($25). This one falls into the smooth and jammy category, with supple blueberry and black cherry character laced with baking spices and a touch of chocolate. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-14)
    Fetzer 1997 Home Ranch Zinfandel ($9). This wine’s name pays homage to the Fetzer family’s original vineyard. And, happily enough, this traditional blackberry-pepper Zin is a fitting tribute. Nothing revolutionary here, just a classically good Zin at a great price. (ETFOFW, 10/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Fife
    2001 Zinfandel Redwood Valley Redhead Vineyard ($24). Earthy spices supports wild plum and red berry flavors, finishing with an appealing burst of acidity and white pepper. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1997 Zinfandel Mendocino ($14). Fife has been a favorite Zinfandel maker of the Wine Skinny for a while now. They just never disappoint. (Robyn’s Picks, 12/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Folie a Deux 1998 Zinfandel Amador County ($16). Bright and jammy, with lip smacking red cherry and blackberry fruit. Medium bodied and food friendly, with soft tannins and an appealing sweet and spicy finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Frank Family Vineyards
    2006 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($36). So appealing, with vibrant red berry and cherry fruit laced with black pepper, smoke, savory dried herbs and toasty vanilla that fold together on a long, rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-01)
    2005 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($35). Opulent blackberry and warm spice aromas introduce ripe blackberry and blueberry jam flavors laced with an array of warm spices, sweet tobacco, fig and a touch of cocoa, with a long, smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 01/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2004 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($35). Loved the 2003 vintage of this wine, and loved loved loved this one! Lush, delicious and beautifully balanced, it offers mouthwatering aromas and flavors of supple raspberry and red cherry fruit, a kick of black pepper, and waves of intense mocha and baking spices. Long, rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 10/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2003 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($35). Yowza – this was one spectacular wine! Possibly the best Zin we’ve tasted in some time. Rich and concentrated, with appealing warmth and spiciness supporting waves of fresh red cherry and berry fruit, white pepper and toasty vanilla mingling on an elegant frame. Mouthwatering finish goes on for days. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Wine Skinny Best 02/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Buehler Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($19). Excellent value here on a lovely, structured wine. With layers of aromatic, intense red cherry and berry, anise and smoky black peppercorn that stay bright through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-16)
    Buena Vista 1998 California Zinfandel ($9). Dark cherry and juicy berry blend with a pinch of pepper and a hint of oak to make this a perfectly lovely Zin. (ETFOFW, 10/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Burgess Cellars 1998 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($19). This is a gentler, lower-alcohol version Zinfandel than many California winemakers produce. Blended with 8% Petite Sirah, the wine still includes the spice and pepper of Zinfandel, but in a more elegant, integrated wine. Drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Carmenet 2001 Zinfandel Contra Costa County Evangelho Vineyard ($20). Aromatic, ripe, toasty oak bouquet nicely corresponds to the sweet, jammy red cherry fruit flavors. Picks up cola and loads of sweet vanillin oak. Creamy mouthfeel. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Winery Spotlight, 12/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Castle Rock 2006 Zinfandel Mendocino County ($10). Nice for the price, with straightforward but enjoyable red cherry, vanilla and black pepper aromas and flavors. Shows a bit of grip on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-01)
    Cellar No. 8
    Fritz 2002 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Old Vine ($25). Delicious stuff — with loads of pepper and spice lacing blackberry and black cherry and strawberry flavors, with an earthy, rustic edge that adds interest. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Gallo of Sonoma
    1999 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Frei Ranch Vineyard ($22). Lush black cherry and berry fruit on a silky smooth frame, with integrated warm spices and milk chocolate notes. Lingering finish. Nice balance — especially for a Zin! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. We paired this wine with a roast pork tenderloin in a spicy-sweet sauce. (Weekend Wine, 01/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Frei Ranch Vineyard ($20). Rather astringent, with oak nearly overwhelming the raspberry and cherry fruit, anise and mint notes. (Richard’s Picks, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Barrelli Creek ($20). Ripe and spicy, with bright red raspberry and plum fruit, along with more complex touches of leather and earth. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Winery Spotlight, 02/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Sonoma ($13). Easy drinking and juicy, this Zin is medium bodied with red fruit and appealing mint and toast notes. Super versatile with food. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight, 02/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1997 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Barrelli Creek Vineyard ($19). As a Zinfandel devotee, I always look forward to Gallo of Sonoma’s new Zins. And this one is so much fun! 79% Zinfandel and (are you ready?) 21% Petite Sirah make unexpectedly yummy bedfellows. The typical peppery, spicy Zin flavors are softened a bit by the jammy Petite Sirah, without sacrificing any of the backbone or liveliness that we Zinfandel fans demand. A very versatile wine that works well with hearty meats and roasted chicken, and is especially suited for meat dishes with fruity sauces. (Weekend Wine, 04/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1997 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Frei Ranch Vineyard ($19). This is an elegant Zinfandel, if there is such a thing, that could go head to head for structure and flavor with just about any California Cabernet at two or three times the price. Sophisticated flavors of dried red cherry, smoke, oak, and understated spice follow through to the lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five years. (Richard’s Picks, 02/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1996 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($10). Easy drinking flavors of berries and cherry, with just a touch of Zin spiciness. Very nice. (Robyn’s Picks, 12/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1996 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Stefani Vineyard ($17). Man! Is this an incredible wine! Loved it, especially the creamy oak finish. Beautifully balanced. Run out and buy some right now. (Robyn’s Picks, 12/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1995 Zinfandel Barrelli Creek Vineyard ($15) – Round and smooth, but with plenty of dark berry flavors, such as black cherry and blackberries. The aftertaste was fairly long and held the flavor throughout. We paired it with steak and grilled vegetables. (Weekend Wine, 08/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Geyser Peak 1998 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($17). Textbook Zin with plenty of racy red berry, pepper, and mocha flavors framed on substantial tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next year. (Winery Spotlight, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Girard 2006 Zinfandel Napa Valley Old Vine ($24). Smooth black cherry and boysenberry flavors are laced with aromatic cedar, toasted spices and mocha notes that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-01)

    Glen Ellen 2009 Zinfandel California Old Vine ($10, 1.5L). This was a nice little surprise — on the simple side, and definitely quite light. But tasty. With soft red cherry and strawberry notes alongside a light touch of spice. Would make a nice addition to a BBQ bash, as well as a movie night with popcorn and chocolate candies. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-09-29)

    Granite Springs 2000 Zinfandel Estate Fair Play ($30). Concentrated black cherry and juicy blueberry fruit is accented with cinnamon, vanilla, and toasty oak in this tasty, full-bodied wine. Delicious, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Holiday Zins, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Graziano 2005 Zinfandel Redwood Valley Kazmet Vineyard Old Vine ($19). Dark and concentrated, with plum and berry flavors accented with dusty earth, dried herbs and rustic spices. Ready to drink now and over the next few years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)

    Grgich Hills
    2007 Zinfandel Napa Valley Estate Grown ($35). Easy to like for its bright cherry aromas and flavors layered with concentrated strawberry, red currant and light touches of oak and pepper that linger on the generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-14)
    2006 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($35). Quite nice, showing some ripeness restraint and layers of complexity that justify the pricetag. With blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors accented with licorice, anise, black peppercorn and a touch of sweet earth. Long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-01)
    2005 Zinfandel Napa Valley Estate Grown ($33). Tightly wound red raspberry and tart cherry flavors open up after some time in the glass, picking up touches of warm spices and light herbal notes that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Weekend Wine 01/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2004 Zinfandel Napa Valley Estate Grown ($28). Ripe and peppery, but not one of those thick, jammy Zins. With focused blackberry and wild raspberry, anise, spicy vanilla and a kick of black pepper on the lengthy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks 12/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Hartford Court
    1999 Zinfandel Russian River Valley ($25). Fantastically big wine — huge taste profile includes jammy blackberry and cherry fruit, with waves of spiciness from bouquet to finish. Loads of silky tannins. Full bodied and delicious. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 07/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Russian River Valley Highwire Vineyard ($32). Wow. This is not your everyday jammy Zin. Complex dried cherry and blackberry fruit is framed on powerful tannins with generous doses of leather and aromatic herbs. A little decanting time helped this open up beautifully. A few more years in the bottle wouldn’t be a bad idea. Ready to drink now and over the next five years. (Winery Spotlight, 06/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Ironstone 1998 Zinfandel California ($9). The group was split on this medium-bodied wine. Some really liked the smooth fruit and earthy, leathery notes. Others wished for a bit more zip and peppery character. Guess it depends on what you’re looking for in a Zin! Ready to drink now. Paired very well with a Smoked Gouda. (Weekend Wine, 07/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    J. Fritz 1997 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Old Vines ($23). I quite enjoyed this wine. Loads of cherry, currant, and spice, with that herbal note that I really like in a Zin (mint, I think, in this case). It didn’t have quite the lush finish that I might have preferred, but that’s okay. We paired the wine with chili-rubbed steak and grilled vegetables, and it was excellent. (Weekend Wine, 07/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Jessie’s Grove 2001 Zinfandel Lodi Vintner’s Choice Old Vine ($15). A rustic style, medium bodied, with concentrated red berry and dried cherry fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spicy oak, and herbal notes. Interesting overall package at a fair price. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Kendall-Jackson
    2007 Zinfandel Mendocino County Vintner’s Reserve ($15). Easy to like and easy to quaff – good for a burger or any summer grilling. With blackberry, wild raspberry and currant flavors that are medium-bodied and smooth, picking up briar, black pepper and warm spices through the juicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)2000 Zinfandel Mendocino Great Estates ($27). Jammy cherry and red berry fruit are framed on smooth tannins and accented with pepper and exotic spices, picking up blueberry and toasty oak on the lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Richard’s Picks, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel-Shiraz California Collage ($8). Approximately ¾ Zinfandel and ¼ Shiraz, this wine combines the ripe red fruit and black pepper zing of Zinfandel with the spicy blackberry of Shiraz and comes up a winner. Easy on the budget, too! Toasty vanilla oak adds smoothness and finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Kenwood
    1999 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($15). Rich and concentrated, with cherry and blackberry fruit leading the way. A peppery kick up front softens into a smooth, generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1997 Zinfandel Sonoma Valley Jack London Vineyard ($18). So good with black eyed peas and all the fixins and rye bread parmesan toasts. In our house, “all the fixins” means plenty of chopped red onion, sweet pickle relish, and a few jalapeño peppers. If this doesn’t sound like anything you’d eat, you don’t know what you’re missing! The cherry, raspberry, and spice of the Kenwood Zinfandel really enhanced the flavors of the meal, and melded wonderfully with the rich tang of the parmesan cheese. (Weekend Wine, 05/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Koves-Newlan 2001 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($25). Zesty black cherry and plum flavors and aromas are concentrated and juicy, with appealing pepper and sage notes. Finishes with toasty oak. Nothing jammy or overly ripe here. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    La Crema 1997 Zinfandel Reserve Sonoma County ($19). Excellent wine. Loads of bright red cherry and berry with interesting bramble and herb notes. Quite sophisticated for a Zinfandel. Very nice finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Latcham Vineyards 2000 Zinfandel Special Reserve Fair Play ($25). Balanced and delicious, with sweet, ripe red cherry and spice that start on the bouquet and follow through all the way to the smooth finish. Picks up more defined clove spice along with mocha and voluptuous vanilla oak on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Holiday Zins, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Laurel Glen 2000 Zinfandel Lodi !ZaZin Old Vine ($15). Totally liked this wine, with its ripe, balanced red berry and cherry fruit, spice, toasty oak, and herbal accents. Nicely done. Good value. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Madroña Vineyards
    2003 Zinfandel El Dorado 30th Anniversary ($33). Offers a lovely array of aromatic red berry and cherry flavors, with warm spices and dark chocolate mingling on the generous, bright finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Splurge Wine 08/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2003 Zinfandel El Dorado ($15). Lacks the zip you look for in Zinfandel, but still offers smooth cherry, berry and toasty oak flavors, picking up vanilla at the end that addes needed richness. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2000 Zinfandel El Dorado ($14). Bouquet is a little barnyard-y, but zesty red cherry and blueberry fruit are tasty, with earth, mint, and vanilla oak. Ready to drink now. (Holiday Zins, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Magito 2005 Zinfandel California ($18). Liked it! Ripe, certainly, but not overly alcoholic or jammy. With dark cherry and berry flavors accented with toast and a touch of spice. This is my kind of burger wine. A blend of Zinfandel (75%), Syrah, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-19)
    2003 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($27.50). Very nice! With concentrated, ripe red cherry and plum laced with aromatic cedar and warm peppery notes that linger on the generous, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks 02/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2001 Zinfandel Mendocino County Mattern Ranch Old Vines ($22). Zesty red cherry and strawberry flavors shine, with a hit of cracked pepper and warm spices. Rich, velvety mouthfeel is nicely balanced with a dose of mineral freshness. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Mazzocco
    2007 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Stone ($29). Mazzocco keeps getting it right — even with massive ripeness and alcohol levels, there’s still something appealing and drinkable about their Zins. This one offers a pretty, aromatic mixed berry jam laced with milk chocolate, briar and cracked pepper notes. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-13)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Pony ($32). Exotic floral and spice notes mingle with cassis, blackberry jam, pastry, toasted vanilla and baking spices, especially clove. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-13)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Warm Springs Ranch ($32). Deep and mouth-filling, with fleshy blackberry and plum flavors and aromas accented with coffee, licorice and fresh herbs. Long, lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-13)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Maple Reserve ($60). Offering more of the red fruit side of Zinfandel, with raspberry jam, wild strawberry and red plum flavors, picking up clove, ginger, silky chocolate and toasty oak through the peppery finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-13)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Briar ($29). Offers lush, ripe red cherry and blueberry fruit, touches of dried plum, licorice and briary herbs, loads of toasty, vanilla oak and spicy dark chocolate, and a healthy alcoholic kick. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-18)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley West Dry Creek ($32). Rich vanilla aromas and flavors accent concentrated, jammy black cherry, blueberry and cassis fruit, with accents of brown spices, lush chocolate, and peppery alcohol that lingers on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Smith Orchard Reserve ($50). Big, lush, full-bodied and intense, with slick blackberry, wild raspberry, blueberry and black plum fruit all swirling together along with accents of earthy vanilla, exotic spices, cocoa and bramble notes. Long, lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Warm Springs Ranch Reserve ($50). Bright, lively cherry and wild berry aromas and flavors, with notes of bittersweet chocolate, clove, peppercorn, gingerbread and toast that linger on the ripe, plush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)
    Mill Creek Vineyards
    1998 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($19). If you’re a Zinfandel lover, just one whiff of this one will bliss you out. Ripe spicy strawberry and cherry fruit are accented with black pepper and a wonderful leathery earthiness. Wonderful spice and oak linger on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 05/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Russian River Valley Matteucci Vineyard ($24). Do what you can to get your hands on a bottle of this extremely limited production wine (185 cases) — it’s pretty impressive. Powerful and concentrated, this Zin features ripe strawberry and black cherry fruit with plenty of black pepper and spice. Firm tannins pack a punch. Clove and vanilla mingle with the cherry fruit on the generous finish. Drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine, 05/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Minassian-Yount 2007 Zinfandel Paso Robles Estate ($23). If big, alcoholic Zins are your thing, you should check out this one! Intense, aromatic black cherry and cassis, with a peppery kick throughout, and a slick, jammy, slurpable texture. A lot of wine for the money. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-24)
    Murphy-Goode
    2006 Zinfandel Sonoma County Liar’s Dice ($21). This may be the wine that Murphy-Goode is most known for these days, and I can see why. Lipsmacking raspberry and black cherry flavors are laced with peppery spice and toasty oak, with just a bit of herbal character that adds interest. Good for summer grilling. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-16)
    2005 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Ellis Ranch Snake Eyes ($35). A big, alcoholic style, certainly, but still offering some appealingly slick, jammy blackberry and black cherry fruit that persists through the big, alcoholic finish, along with some spice, cream and vanilla accents. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-16)
    1999 Zinfandel Sonoma County Liar’s Dice ($17). Medium-bodied and quite tasty, this Zin features ripe red berry and soft spices, with a touch of lavender. Smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Napa Cellars 2007 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($22). Ripe red berry and black cherry fruit aromas and flavors are laced with warm spices, toasty oak and a touch of molasses, with a smooth finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-19)
    Napa Ridge 1996 Zinfandel ($9). This mellow Zin is plummy, earthy, and very easy to drink. Priced at around $9, this is an ideal Bargain Wine. (Weekend Wine, 06/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Nelson Family Vineyards 2006 Zinfandel Mendocino ($23). Juicy and ripe, but not overripe or jammy. With bright boysenberry fruit that stays focused through the finish, picking up toasted, sweet spices and a touch of caramel. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-01-14)
    Newlan Vineyards
    2000 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($22). Black cherry and spicy clove are dominant in this deeply colored and concentrated Zin, with vanilla oak and a bramble note emerging on the finish. Slightly closed when first poured – either let it breathe for a couple of hours, or hold it for a year or two. (Richard’s Picks, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($19). This is a blend of 80% Zinfandel and 20% field mix, including Carignan, Petite Sirah, and Alicante Boushet. Well balanced, with plenty of ripe red fruit and pepper, but also an earthy softness that is quite appealing. Soft tannins and a lush, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Novella 2000 Zinfandel Paso Robles Estate Bottled ($11). Medium to light bodied, with juicy red cherry and strawberry fruit accented with nutmeg, turning to sweet vanilla oak on the finish. Would match up well with Italian foods – especially anything with tomato sauce. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wines, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Oakville Ranch 1996 Zinfandel ($48 at a restaurant, I’m guessing $20ish in the stores — not that I’ve seen any in the stores!) This was excellent with Grilled Lamp Chops cured with Chile and Thyme over a hill of Onion Rings. Although the wine needed a bit of time to breathe after being opened, it soon smoothed out and was fabulous with the lamb. The typical Zinfandel peppered cherry flavor beautifully complimented the infused baby lamb chops. This lamb and Zin combination is quickly becoming one of my favorite food and wine matches. (Weekend Wine, 04/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Ottimino 2006 Zinfandel Sonoma County Zinfinity ($17). Liked this one immediately — lively, supple red berry and cherry character, with mint, sage, vanilla accents and a peppery kick on the finish. Food friendly, balanced, affordable. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)

    Paul Dolan 2009 Zinfandel Mendocino County ($25). Concentrated strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors offer a nice, juicy tang and are accented with loads of baking spice and toast notes. Offers enough balance and racy structure to even work with food better than many Zins on the shelf these days. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-12-14)

    Pedroncelli 2001 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Mother Clone ($15). Deftly balanced and plummy, with juicy fruit, black pepper and toasty accents, and a mouthwatering finish. A great BBQ wine! Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 08/05, Wine Skinny Best 08/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Perry Creek

    2000 Zinfandel El Dorado ($24). At 16% alcohol, this wine seems somewhat out of balance. Nevertheless, it does offer jammy cherry and blackberry fruit and spicy milk chocolate aromas and flavors, with tannins that are pretty tough at this young stage. Best after 2004. (Holiday Zins, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1998 Zinfandel Sierra Foothills Zin Man ($13). Really liked this wine. Juicy ripe red raspberry and plum fruit is well balanced with cinnamon and pepper, with just enough smooth vanilla oak and a touch of espresso. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Quivira

    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($20). Wild blackberry and concentrated plum fruit are accented with brambly/briary notes, black peppercorn and toasty vanilla, with a juicy finish. A great burger wine. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)

    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Wine Creek Ranch ($34). Intensely aromatic and concentrated blackberry fruit is layered with sweet tobacco, black pepper, licorice and meaty spice notes that fold into a generous, slightly earthy finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)

    1999 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($20). Interesting herbal notes distinguish this Zin from the rest of the pack. Wild raspberry fruit, vanilla, and a generous spiciness round things out. Nice finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Rabbit Ridge

    1998 Zinfandel California Barrel Cuvee ($9). This easy drinking Zin is full of taste and a favorite standby of John “Holy Zin, Batman!” Stine (Member, Team ETFOFW). Nothing terribly complicated, but a consistently good wine at a remarkably good price. (ETFOFW, 10/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1997 Zinfandel California Barrel Cuvee ($8). “Easy drinking,” round and smooth, with plenty of peppery zip. For the price, it’s hard to beat. (Wine Tasting Party, 8/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1997 Zinfandel Sonoma County OVZ Reserve ($27). Huge, knock your socks off, wine. Ought to be, at this price! (Robyn’s Picks, 12/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Rancho Arroyo Grande 2007 Zinfandel San Luis Obispo County Dry Farmed ($45). Massively ripe, but somehow avoiding tasting as alcoholic as its 15.96% abv would suggest. With rich, dense blackberry and blueberry fruit layered with spicy, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla bean and toast, with a long, mouthfilling finish. Ready to drink now. (2009-08-05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Rancho Zabaco

    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Reserve ($24). A robust peppery kick accents ripe black cherry and berry fruit, with baking spices and oak notes coming through on the long finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-04-29)

    2003 Zinfandel California Dancing Bull ($12). This one is always a fun little wine, with its juicy strawberry aromas and flavors and affordable price tag. More herbal and toasty oak this vintage than the last couple, without the black pepper kick that’s been there before. But still tasty. Ready to drink now. (Party Planning 02/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2002 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($18). Appealing, ripe black cherry and plum flavors and aromas are laced with freshly cracked black pepper and sweet, toasty oak. Shows nice concentration. Overall nice package at a good price. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2002 Zinfandel California Dancing Bull ($10). Sweet strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors are accented with cracked black pepper and smooth vanilla. Bright and juicy, easy to slurp! Pair with summer barbecue and cookouts. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 06/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2002 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Chiotti Vineyard ($28). There’s just something about this vineyard that speaks to us! Year after year, this is our favorite. The 2002 offers integrated layers of complex flavors, from spicy blueberry to bold, concentrated cherry fruit. With loads of warm spice, ground ginger, and anise, finishing long and full. Very good now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 05/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2001 Zinfandel Sonoma County Heritage Vines ($15). Initial earthy mushroom aroma blows off and leaves a juicy, red cherry and black pepper wine that is straightforward and easy to enjoy. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2001 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Reserve ($18). Very appealing, offering balance despite the big, all-out style. The addition of 12% Petite Sirah seems to anchor the wine, not letting it go over the top. Black pepper laces rich cassis and black cherry fruit, with a sweet, toasty vanilla note on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine, 05/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2001 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Stefani Vineyard ($28). Sweet spice bouquet introduces concentrated red fruit, with a racy profile balanced by a healthy dose of earthiness. Focused finish lingers nicely. Impressive now and over the next three of four years. (Weekend Wine, 05/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2001 Zinfandel California Dancing Bull ($10). Smooth, spicy strawberry, gains focus and intensity through the finish. Picks up appealing black pepper. Great value; easy to like. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Pick, 10/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2001 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Chiotti Vineyard ($28). Elegant and delicious, with rich, ripe blackberry and black cherry that manages to be jammy and balanced at the same time. Toasty vanilla oak and dark chocolate notes linger on the lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four years. (Richard’s Pick, 10/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2001 Zinfandel Sonoma County Heritage Vines ($15). Waves of spice and concentrated, ripe blackberry fruit are framed on moderate, integrated tannins. Accents include black pepper and toasty vanilla oak. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Richard’s Pick, 10/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    2000 Zinfandel Dancing Bull ($12). Have you ever had that wonderful Italian creation of perfectly sweet strawberries drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and fresh basil? (If not — you don’t know what you’re missing!) That is exactly what this new Zin from Rancho Zabaco made me think of. Fresh, soft and approachable, with focused strawberry fruit accented with rich oak, black pepper, and herbs. Supple, tasty finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 06/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1999 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($17). Refined, with a chalky note, but still featuring plenty of ripe cherry and berry fruit — this is an interesting, well-balanced wine. Spice and toasty oak emerge on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 09/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1999 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Stefani Vineyard ($22). If you haven’t noticed already that Rancho Zabaco has taken its place among those starts-with-R wineries that make fantasic Zins (Ridge, Ravenswood, Renwood, Rosenblum) — heads up! This one is a beauty. Ripe red fruit is concentrated and jammy, with heady vanilla oak aromas and wonderful nutmeg and black pepper spice. Tannins are firm, but well-integrated and not overpowering. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 01/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1999 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Chiotti Vineyard ($19). Smooth from start to finish, this wine is bursting with ripe red fruit and rich exotic spices. Sophisticated oak is well integrated. Tantalizing finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1999 Zinfandel Sonoma County Sonoma Heritage Vines ($15). Smooth and ripe, with an appealing earthy characteristic alongside just a touch of spice. Lip-smacking finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 09/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    1998 Zinfandel Sonoma County Sonoma Heritage Vines ($14). Exactly what a Zinfandel should be. Ripe plum and red cherry fruit, with layers of spice, pepper, oak, and mocha. Wonderful now and over the next few years. (Richard’s Picks, 02/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

    Ravenswood
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Teldeschi ($35). Really liked the complexity and balance here — and although there are some gravelly, briary accents, it’s the concentrated, intense fruit that is the star. Black cherry, black currant, wild blackberry, with accents of sweet tobacco, vanilla, ginger and cassis that linger on the ripe finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Includes 22% Petite Sirah and 2% Carignane. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-18)
    2007 Zinfandel California Vintners Blend ($10). Bright and juicy, with easy-quaffing black cherry and blueberry fruit that stays fresh and appealing through the lightly spicy finish. Ready to drink now. A great burger wine! Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-14)
    1999 Zinfandel Sonoma Valley Old Hill ($36). Concentrated blackberry and cherry fruit with dark chocolate and minty, black pepper accents. Slightly hot and plenty of tannic structure. A lot of wine for a lot of money. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Lodi ($14). Big and jammy, with juicy red cherry offset by concentrated blackberry, black pepper and heady vanilla oak. Smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Richard’s Picks, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Vintners Blend Zinfandel California ($8). Perfect with a cheeseburger (and what isn’t?), this Zin was full of peppery zip, bright red cherry and smooth blueberry, and a touch of young vanilla oak. Yummy. ( Weekend Wine, 05/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1997 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($13) — Another winning Zin from Ravenswood. This one is full and juicy, with bright red berry balancing darker plum, earth, and spice notes. Ready to drink now and over the next five years. (Weekend Wine, 10/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Raymond 1999 Zinfandel Napa Valley Reserve ($22). Full-bodied with plenty of tannins supporting the red cherry and blackberry fruit. Accents include spice and leather, with sweet vanilla oak emerging on finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Richard’s Picks, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Red Truck
    2006 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($11). Nice value on a tasty wine, with loads of red cherry and berry flavors, a kick of toasted black peppercorn, and a long, fruity finish. Admirable balance at this price point. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-22)
    2006 Zinfandel Mendocino County ($11). Medium-bodied, with wild red berry flavors, touches of toast and earth. Not your typical ripe, high alcohol Zin style, but still tasty. And more food-friendly in the bargain. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-16)
    Renwood Winery
    2000 Zinfandel Amador County Old Vine ($20). Ripe red cherry and blackberry fruit, with creamy milk chocolate and spicy vanillin oak. Generous, lingering finish. Nicely full-bodied and offering plenty of flavor. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2000 Zinfandel Sierra Series ($12). Fruity, with zesty red cherry and raspberry fruit accented with rich vanilla oak, nutmeg, white pepper, and espresso notes. Tasty finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two years. (Winery Spotlight 08/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Amador County Old Vine ($19). Jammy and ripe, with cherry and red berry fruit, with prune, milk chocolate, and oak notes emerging on the lush finish. Almost over the top, but still tasty. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 08/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Amador County Grandpere ($32). This is a big wine, with plenty of tannins supporting ripe, spicy cherry and berry fruit with leather and earthy, herbal notes. Big finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Winery Spotlight 08/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel California Sierra Series ($12). We’ve enjoyed plenty of Renwood Zin over the years, but this Sierra Series was new to us. What a deal! Easy drinking and smooth, with ripe red fruit, a peppery kick, and a judicious dose of toasty oak. Very nice. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1996 Zinfandel Amador County Fox Creek Vineyard Jack Rabbit Flat ($25). Amador County is becoming the star of California Zinfandels, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It is quite smooth, with little peppery bite to it. It starts with a hint of sage and dry grass. But, the rich dark cherry and berry flavors soon show themselves. The flavor turns intense toward the finish and somewhat tannic. But the tannins never get in the way of enjoying this wine. (Splurge Wine, 06/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Ridge Vineyards
    1999 Zinfandel Sonoma County Lytton Station ($20). We’re crazy about this wine, and it’s a good value, too. Intense in color and flavor, with sophisticated fruit, spice and herbal notes. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Winery Spotlight, 12/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1997 Zinfandel Paso Robles Late Picked ($20). Love the inky purple of this multi-layered dry wine. Plum upfront, building to cherry, berry, and spice. Finishing long and smooth and ripe. Great! (Robyn’s Picks, 12/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Robert Biale Vineyards 1999 Zinfandel Napa Valley Proprietor Series Black Chicken ($35). In the prohibition days when Aldo Biale’s ranch was known for its chickens as well as its grapes, neighbors would often order eggs along with a “black chicken” — code for an “under the table” bottle of Aldo’s private stock Zinfandel. We like the story behind this wine’s name almost as much as we liked the wine. This is killer Zin. Dark and bold, with intense jammy red fruit and licorice, herbs, and coffee notes, and well-integrated tannins. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Robert Craig
    2000 Zinfandel Amador County ($24). Mouthwatering sweet fruit and clove bouquet leads to concentrated cherry fruit studded with warm spices and silky vanilla oak. Picks up cranberry on the generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. We recently cooked up some homemade hamburgers with all the trimmings — we think Zin is always a yummy choice with a good burger, and this one was perfect! (Weekend Wine, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Amador County ($28). Effusive, with bright jammy fruit and plenty of spice and oak that pick up a sweet, creamy note on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four years. (Weekend Wine, 12/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Robert Mondavi
    2002 Zifnandel California Private Selection ($11). Lipsmacking strawberry jam aromas and flavors are laced with light nutmeg, vanilla and toasty oak. Light and easy and ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1997 Coastal Zinfandel ($7). Although I certainly trust the Mondavi name, I just wasn’t expecting much for the price. Well, color me pleasantly surprised. Just the right amount of pepper spice with berry and dried plum flavors. (ETFOFW, 10/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Rodney Strong
    2007 Zinfandel Sonoma County Knotty Vines ($20). Bright and lively, with intense mixed berry aromas and flavors laced with black pepper, mineral and toast that add complexity to the fresh finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-26)
    2003 Zinfandel Sonoma County Knotty Vines Estate Vineyards ($19). Effusive, aromatic red cherry, strawberry and spices swirl around the palate and linger on the finish, picking up a touch of briar along the way. Easy to like. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 08/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Northern Sonoma Knotty Vines ($18). Ripe red cherry and berry fruit combine with creamy vanilla oak, spicy chocolate, and a touch of herbs to make a delicious, balanced wine. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine, 06/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Rombauer Vineyards 1997 Estate Grown Zinfandel Napa Valley ($26). Ripe and juicy, with blackberry jam and typical Zinfandel peppery spice as well as a little vanilla oak, this rich wine is a wonderful surprise — especially the fruity aftertaste. (Wine Tasting Party, 02/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Rosenblum
    1997 Zinfandel Paso Robles Richard Sauret Vineyard ($18) – Rosenblum makes plenty of terrific Zins and this one is a good example. Though not as intense as some of their others, this one has a nice full nose, and light spice with the solid berry and cherry flavors. There are even hints of blueberry just before the finish. A fairly soft Zin, but very drinkable. (Weekend Wine, 10/00). Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1994 Zinfandel Contra Costa County ($20). Zinfandels are among my favorite wines. I drink them with almost any food. I came across a lone bottle of 1994 Rosenblum Zinfandel a couple months ago and saved it for Thanksgiving. I sure was happy to have found this bottle. This Zin is big and fruity. Great cherry and berry flavors are complemented with oak and some remaining tannins, suggesting this wine has a couple more years on it. Though not as peppery as a Clos Du Bois, the Rosenblum had a hint of spiciness layered with the fruit making it a very enjoyable wine. (Splurge Wine, 02/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Rutherford Ranch 2007 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($18). Totally appreciated the balance and moderate alcohol here (14.5 abv – hey, it’s moderate for a Zin, even if they’re rounding down…). With rich, mouthfilling red fruit — strawberry, red cherry, boysenberry — accented with baking spices, toast and a pinch of black pepper. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-14)
    Saracina 2006  Zinfandel Mendocino County Pick and Shovel ($30). Good stuff — intensely aromatic, with intriguing floral, green peppercorn and tar accents to the deep, ripe cherry and berry fruit that rolls to a long, smooth finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-03)
    Sausal
    2005 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Old Vine Family ($18). Also like this one for its appealing ripe black cherry and strawberry jam flavors laced with a kick of black pepper, baking spices, vanilla and toasty oak. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-11)
    2005 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Private Reserve ($23). Racy red cherry fruit is ripe and jammy and stays aromatic and focused through the finish, with smooth waves of chocolate and toasty black pepper emerging along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 01/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2004 Zinfandel Alexander Vally Old Vine ($18). Ripe, zesty black raspberry and cherry flavors are accented with milk chocolate, brown sugar and warm spices on a mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Very nice! (Wine Tasting 10/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1996 Zinfandel Alexander Valley ($7). Incredible price on this very good wine. Its bright cherry is nicely toned down by some earthy, herby notes. The mild tannins make it a pleasure to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 12/99) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Sbragia Family Vineyards
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Gino’s Vineyard ($28). Intense blackberry and currant fruit stays polished through the long finish, picking up dried herbal notes, brown spices, smoke and pepper along the way. Lots of depth here. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Richard’s Picks 08/08)
    Seghesio
    2008 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($25). Lipsmacking red berry and dried cherry aromas and flavors pick up touches of vanilla, fresh herbs and black pepper through the bright finish. Shows some grip at the end. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-09-01)
    2008 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Home Ranch ($36). Slick cassis and deep blackberry character from start to finish. Stays concentrated through the jammy finish, with accents of dried herbs, black licorice and peppercorn. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-09-01)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Cortina ($36). This may have been my favorite of the tasting, with its pretty blackberry and black cherry fruit and array of nuances, including pastry crust, mocha, aromatic baking spices and smooth, rich finish. There’s something savory here, too… Really good. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-09-01)
    2005 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($20). Always a good buy, this one, with waves of jammy red cherry and berry fruit accented with a kick of black pepper, black licorice and smooth, toasty oak. Lipsmacking finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Party Planning 06/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2000 Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vine ($28). One of our favorites we tasted, though still really big and ripe and slightly pricey. Offering more layers and complexity (and maybe even more cellar-worthiness), this wine features waves of focused black cherry and berry fruit, briar, rosemary, and spicy integrated oak. Ready to drink now and over the next four years. (Weekend Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2000 Zinfandel Sonoma County Sonoma ($17). Definitely one of the favorites around here, this wine is beautifully structured – showing ripe, concentrated black cherry and plum fruit, as well as deep spicy notes, licorice, and herbs. Lingering, rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Richard’s Picks, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Home Ranch ($28). This was a particularly nice wine, big and bold, with rich fruit and plenty of spice. Full-bodied; wonderful finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks, 11/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Cortina Vineyard ($28). A prominent gamey note sets off the ripe fruit and herbal accents, which adds a sort of terroir-like interest, if you like that sort of thing. Good firm finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Richard’s Picks, 11/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Sonoma County Sonoma ($18). This wine had a delicate floral bouquet and finish note that I found distracting from the otherwise full-bodied fruit and spiciness. The finish is not quite as full and long as I would prefer, going in that more delicate floral direction. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks, 11/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Sierra Vista 1999 Zinfandel El Dorado Reeves Vineyard ($16). Candied violet bouquet leads to light raspberry and strawberry fruit that is sweet and juicy. Picks up that candied character again on the finish, with nearly caramelized vanilla oak. Lacks balance. (Holiday Zins, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Simi
    2006 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($20). This one was my favorite of the four, mostly because it offers a lovely, refreshing balance that many Zins lack. Nothing heavy handed or overly alcoholic here, just bright red berry and cherry aromas and flavors that stay focused through the concentrated finish, picking up black pepper and sweet, toasty vanilla along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-11)
    2005 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($23). Really tasty, with ripe red cherry jam laced with touches of black pepper and freshly grated spices and toasty vanillin oak. Smooth and pretty on the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Wine Tasting 10/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Single Leaf 1999 Zinfandel El Dorado ($16). Deep red color, with a spicy floral bouquet. Dark plum and red cherry fruit, with spicy clove and vanilla oak. Good finish. Ready to drink now and over next couple of years. (Holiday Zins, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Solaris 2004 Zinfandel Mendocino County ($14). Cherry pie and blueberry character, with food-friendly balance and just enough spice and black pepper kicking in on the toasty finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    St. Francis
    1999 Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vines ($25). Rich and jammy, bursting with sweet black cherry and berry fruit, with appealing tobacco and mint flavors along the way. Smooth, lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks, 10/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1997 Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vines ($20). I was immediately struck by the deep, rich bouquet escaping from the bottle. The deep richness was evident on the palate, as well. Somewhat thick and chewy, with strong anise and tobacco flavors surrounding oaky, berry fruits. It ends with a full but brief finish. We all agreed it was one of the better wines we’ve had lately. We paired it with a roast pork, scalloped potatoes, and green bean dinner. (Weekend Wine, 09/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Steele
    1999 Zinfandel Clear Lake Catfish Vineyard ($20). Much bigger and complex than the DuPratt Zin, this one is definitely a sigh-inspiring and elegantly rich wine. Jammy cherry is deftly layered with plum, leather, espresso and fennel, with a long focused finish. Wonderful! Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 07/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1999 Zinfandel Mendocino Pacini Vineyard ($18). Easily the best value of the tasting, this wine is bursting with ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit, layered with appealing earth, leather, and herbal notes. Delicious finish. Nicely balanced and full-bodied. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 07/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    1998 Zinfandel Mendocino DuPratt Vineyard ($22). Tasty package of red cherry and strawberry fruit, with light oak and vanilla notes. Medium to light bodied; not a big Zin, but still enjoyable. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 07/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Stonehedge 1999 Zinfandel California Old Vine ($10). A little closed on the bouquet, but very tasty. Layers of red fruit, blackberry, spice and chocolate, with a lush finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Tamás Estate 2005 Zinfandel Livermore Valley ($15). Smooth and jammy, with plenty of cherry and berry fruit character alongside toasty oak. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Richard’s Picks 08/08)
    Truchard 2000 Zinfandel Napa Valley Carneros ($28). Interesting flavor profile that includes black cherry and berry fruit accented with plenty of anise, mint, and black pepper. Opens up beautifully in the glass, and was outstanding with herb-crusted lamb chops. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine, 06/02)
    Turley
    1999 Zinfandel California Old Vines ($27). Very good – bright and fruity, with elegant herbal notes. Lip-smacking finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks, 11/01)
    1999 Zinfandel Napa Valley Estate Vineyard ($34). My favorite wine of the tasting, it features smooth, ripe fruit, touches of wild berry, integrated spice and oak, and an excellent finish. A bit of a splurge price, but worth it! Wonderful now and over the next several years. (Richard’s Picks, 11/01)
    Wente Vineyards 2003 Zinfandel Livermore Valley Smith Bench Reserve ($19). Very nice! With appealing balance that belies the typical Zin alcohol content, and offering red berry jam and a dash of peppery kick. Smooth and supple, with a lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Awfully good with the perfect burger, but would work with more sophisticated fare, too! (Weekend Wine 05/06)
    Wild Horse 2003 Zinfandel Paso Robles ($18). Seemed out of balance, with alcohol dominating most everything else, with fruit finally coming through on the finish. (Winery Spotlight 06/06)
    Wilson Winery
    2008 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Sawyer Vineyard ($34). Lush and full, offering ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors, along with sweet vanilla, toast and baking spices, with a deep, smooth, peppery finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-12-23)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Carl’s Vineyard Reserve ($44). This one cranks up the briary/herbal notes, with a heavy dose accenting super-ripe berry and plum fruit. With cracked pepper and toasty oak accents through the beefy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-13)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Sawyer Vineyard Reserve ($44). Ripe and concentrated, with full-bodied cassis/blackberry aromas and flavors that are very nearly liqueur-like. Licorice and spicy chocolate accents on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-13)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Tori Vineyard Reserve ($44). Wilson also makes whopping big wines, but also manages to offer more than just alcohol burn. This one has ripe blueberry cobbler character, picking up licorice and black pepper notes through the oaky finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-13)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Ken’s Reserve ($60). This is just a massive wine, no getting around it. With concentrated, ripe plum/prune aromas and flavors, loads of dry tannins and black licorice notes that build straight through the full finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-13)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Carl’s Vineyard ($32). Appealing smoky white pepper and savory touches to the full-bodied black fruit flavors. Finds a nice balance between in your face Zin and some pretty sophisticated flavors. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Ellie’s Old Vine ($32). Smoky bacon aromas introduce intense black fruit flavors — cherry, berry, plum — with chocolate, pepper and toasty vanilla accents along the way to a long, warm finish. A big, ripe wine. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Molly’s Vineyard ($32). Savory again, like the Carl’s Vineyard, but in more of a dried herb and roasted meat direction — with blackberry and plum flavors that pick up a touch of aromatic licorice on the long, full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Tori Vineyard ($32). Offers layers of ripe blackberry and blueberry, concentrated black currant, savory black peppercorn, and sweet, toasty, vanillin oak. Full bodied, with a lush, generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)
    2007 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Diane’s Reserve ($60). If $60 Zinfandel is in your price range, then I’m betting you’ll like this one — big, lush, ripe and packing an alcoholic wallop, with jammy black fruit — blackberry, currant, dried plum — accented with ribbons of chocolate and peppery spice, vanilla, and brown sugar. Spices take over on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Carl’s Vineyard ($32). Full-bodied, with weighty black plum and berry flavors accented with loads of peppery spices and vanilla extract and smoky oak. Long, jammy, spicy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-16)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Sawyer Vineyard ($32). A velvet hammer kind of wine, with pretty raspberry jam, aromatic baking spices, vanilla and caramel flavors that float above tightly wound blackberry fruit and impressive tannins and alcohol levels. Long, lush finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/07)
    2004 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Carl’s Vineyard ($26). Blackberry jam aromas and flavors pick up blueberry pie, chocolate and zesty black pepper notes through the long finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/07)
    2004 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Reserve ($38). A whopper of a wine, with bold red cherry and jammy raspberry fruit accented with generous black pepper, cocoa powder and caramel notes that roll through the lush finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/07)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Ellie’s Vineyard Old Vine ($32). Spicy pepper, smoke and tar accent dark plum and cherry fruit, picking up more baking spices through the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/08)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Reserve ($40). Very nice, with layers of aromatic, ripe berry and juicy plum playing off deep chocolate, sweet tobacco, black pepper, toasted vanilla and warm spices. Folds into a full, ripe finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 03/08)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Carl’s Vineyard ($32). Bold plum and blackberry fruit is accented with cocoa, toasty vanilla and fig jam, picking up a spicy kick on the generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 01/08)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Diane’s Reserve ($48). Rich and voluptuous, with chocolatey tones supporting ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit, with cracked black pepper and sweet vanilla accents on the long, smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 01/08)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Tori Vineyard ($32). Concentrated and intense, with blackberry and black cherry flavors accented by cracked black pepper, clove and smooth caramel notes that persist on the full finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/07)
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Molly’s Vineyard ($32). More concentrated and slightly more rustic than the Carl’s Vineyard Zin (above). Offers intense blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors, with herbal and smoky pepper notes that linger on the full, alcoholic finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-16)
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Tori Vineyard ($32). Packs a wallop, with cassis and black cherry aromas and flavors laced with briary herbs and warm spices. Long, full-bodied, chewy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-22)

    Wine Guerrilla

    2009 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Coffaro Vineyards Old Vine ($40). Tangy strawberry and dried red cherry and currant aromas and flavors are ripe and full-bodied, with integrated peppery notes and a healthy dash of sweet oak. Long, jammy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-06-15)

    2008 Zinfandel Russian River Valley Conte Vineyard ($30). An appealing blend of Zinfandel (83%), Petite Sirah (12%), Carignan, Alacante Bouchet and Grenache, this offers full-bodied wild blackberry and boysenberry fruit laced with briar, peppery spices and toast, with a long, bright finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-31)

    Zoom 1999 Zinfandel San Francisco Bay 105 Year Old Vines ($25). We recently tasted a Zoom Zin for the first time at a favorite restaurant. Everyone else at the table was familiar with Zoom Zins — and already big fans. Apparently we had just missed that boat somehow. But this was wonderful! Lots of dried fruit zip — think red cherry and raspberry — was balanced with smooth vanilla and mocha notes and a clove spiciness that was delicious. Nice lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 01/02)

    2006 Zinfandel Sonoma County Dry Creek Valley Two Vineyards ($25). Appealing for its full-bodied, ripe strawberry, blueberry, black pepper and toasty spice notes, with a jammy, lipsmacking finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 01/08)
    Marr Cellars 2004 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Gino’s Vineyard ($28). Appealing for its polished red cherry, strawberry, black pepper, toast and cloves notes that mingle nicely though the long, juicy finish. Nothing shy here, but nothing out of balance, either. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks 06/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    Matrix 2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($45). Big and bold, with deep black cherry, blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors accented with black pepper, spice and vanilla notes that fold into a long, rich finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-03)
    Mazzocco
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Smith Orchard Reserve ($50). Big and lush and kinda sexy, with opulent wild raspberry, blueberry, caramel and baking spice aromas and flavors that pick up black pepper and dark chocolate on the long, intense finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-16)
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Pony Reserve ($50). Slick blackberry and black currant jam character, with accents of rich chocolate, sweet tobacco and brown spices. A big, rich wine with a long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-17)
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Warm Springs Ranch Reserve ($50). Really delicious, with ripe, forward black cherry, cassis, smoky, toasted spices, bittersweet chocolate and a touch of bacon that emerges on the super-long, rich finish. Nothing shy here! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-01)
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Warm Springs Ranch ($32). Nothing shy here, with a whopping 16.0% alcohol, but somehow the alcohol stays in the background and lets fruit lead the way. With concentrated black cherry and berry flavors accented with a light earthy note, smoky black pepper, dark chocolate and baking spices. Long, ripe finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-01-23)
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Lytton ($29). Intense red berries and cherry flavors, with aromatic cedar, spice and pepper accents and a noticeable alcohol kick that builds through the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-01)
    2006 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Stone ($29). Big and ripe and alcoholic, but with such intense, bright fruit and flavors that it works — blackberry, raspberry, licorice, mocha, toasty oak, seriously peppery. Long, ripe finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-01-06)
    2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley West Dry Creek ($32). Again, super ripe and alcoholic, but again — delish. Jammy blackberry and plum fruit, with accents that include mocha, baking spices, licorice and (again) a big, peppery finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-01-06)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Matrix ($45). Beautifully integrated and balanced, with blackberry and black cherry fruit laced with candied violet, spicy dark chocolate and cedar that build through the long, rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Richard’s Picks 08/08)
    2004 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Quinn Vineyard ($24). Black cherry and blackberry fruit is concentrated and supported by black pepper, clove and spicy oak, with a rich, lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 04/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2004 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Home Ranch Estate ($27). High alcohol (16.2%) was winning the battle here, with fruit hard to find. Opened up a bit over time, offering up some black cherry and spice notes. (Richard’s Picks 04/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2004 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Stone Ranch ($24). This one had even higher alcohol (at a whopping 16.9%) than the Home Ranch, but the fruit was more in evidence. With blackberry and plum flavors accented with touches of burnt brown sugar and bittersweet chocolate emerging on the finish, before giving way to alcohol. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 04/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Smith Orchard Reserve ($40). Full bodied, with weighty blueberry and blackberry jam laced with healthy kicks of black pepper and alcohol, finishing with a touch of molasses. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Richard’s Picks 08/08)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley West Dry Creek Reserve ($40). Really liked, despite the substantial alcohol. With slick, sleek blackberry and cherry flavors that stay tangy and lively through the finish, picking up creamy chocolate and loads of pepper-spice. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Richard’s Picks 08/08)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Pony Reserve ($50). Lovely, ripe red cherry and berry fruit is layered with aromatic chocolate, mocha and baking spices, with a long, fine-grained finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Richard’s Picks 08/08)
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Maple Reserve ($60). Deliciously smooth and ripe, with blueberry and black plum flavors and aromas laced with toasty vanilla, light spices and a touch of espresso that fold together beautifully on the lush, full, smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Richard’s Picks 08/08)
    2005 Zinfandel Alexander Valley Stone ($27). Concentrated red raspberry and cherry fruit is accented with aromatic spices, fig jam and a touch of tobacco, with a long, jammy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 01/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley West Dry Creek ($27). Smooth red cherry jam notes are laced with clove, cola, sweet vanilla and toast notes that all fold together on a lush finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 01/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Pony ($27). Lovely, aromatic baking spices and violets accent pretty blackberry and plum jam fruit, with a lush, generous finish. Nice structure and balance, too. Ready to drink now and over the next three of four years. (Weekend Wine 01/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2005 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Maple ($36). Rich black cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors pick up creamy, toasted caramel, bittersweet chocolate and black pepper spice notes through the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 01/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
    2004 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Cuneo & Saini Vineyards ($24). Concentrated strawberry and raspberry jam flavors and aromas are laced with chocolate, black pepper and vanillin oak. Our favorite among the four Zins. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks 04/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
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