What is Zinfandel?
Zinfandel: The All-American Grape with Hidden RootsZinfandel, or as it is affectionately called, Zin, is said to be one of the most famous noble grapes in America. Its heavy flavors and …
Zinfandel
Wines for Beginners
For those of us in the wine trade, it’s hard to remember what it felt like to be a beginner. The nerves. The uncertainty. The fear of being judged.Being new to …
Martinelli 2013 Zinfandel, Vellutini Ranch
Can you believe it? Let’s all welcome the cloned children of Jackass Vineyard.Allow me to explain, Jackass is a vineyard that was planted in the late 19th century in the Russian …
Ottimino 2009 Zinfandel, Rancho Bello Vineyard
Ottimino was established in 1999 by Brad Alper and William Knuttel. Their first bottling was from the Ranch Bello vineyard. This is Alper’s winery in many ways, but Knuttel is the name that makes …
Rosenblum Cellars 2010 “Harris Kratka” Zinfandel
A Little About ZinNo matter its pedigree, Zinfandel is big, dumb, and fun. Â I don’t mean that in a pejorative way. There should always be a place for fun. This is …
Passitivo 2010 Primitivo, Puglia
Judging wines isn’t a linear job. It’s not really about grading all wines as a spectrum of quality. We don’t judge a Red Zinfandel from Russian River next to a bottle …
Peachy Canyon 2008 Westside Zinfandel, Paso Robles
Paso Robles is a huge AVA, with over a half-million acres of vines. Huge wineries like  J. Lohr, Treana, and Meridian dominate the region. However, in the cooler hills on the westside of …
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2008 “Redemption” Zinfandel
If you drink Zin for its delightful complexity, you aren’t thinking straight. Zinfandel –despite its pink alter ego– is a major badass. This bottle is in keeping with such a reputation. …
Ravenwood 2002 Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley
A definite must-buy for Zin drinkers. Dense and full-bodied, the wine uncorks with an explosion of deep black fruit and freshly roasted coffee beans. Rich but soft tannins carve out a …
Renwood 2003 “Old Vine” Zinfandel
Blood-colored with a brick-like rim, this wine shows a nose of rich, ripe blue and blackberries, the expected zinfandel spice, and something almost nutty. The palate is chewy and delicious, with …
Glaymond 2003 “Krause’s Berg” Zinfandel, Barossa Valley
Blueberries and spice and everything boozy and nice, right? I mean, that’s Zinfandel, isn’t it? Well, not always. Last weekend during a wine class, we tasted a most unusual Zinfandel–the Glaymond …
Grgich Hills 2004 Zinfandel
The aroma of spicy, peppery raisins soaked in Dr. Pepper, but in a good way. This is classic, peppery California zinfandel, yet the blue fruits of the 7% Petit Sirah add …
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2006 “Redemption” Zinfandel, Sonoma
A no-nonsense party wine. I would go so far as to say this was a gummi bear riding a licorice stick down a boozy river.
Gary Farrell 2003 Zinfandel Maple Vineyard Tina’s Block
Classic aromas of peppercorns and crushed, ripe red berry fruit, followed by a mid-palate rich with the flavors of figs and dark berries. Despite all this richness and depth, though, it’s …
Ravenswood 2001 Zinfandel, Teldeschi Dry Creek Valley
This is a purplish wine with hints of brown, and the deep colors perhaps serve to prepare you for the rich and almost heady experience that follows. The nose is somewhat …
Hentley Farm 2007 Zinfandel, Barossa
Say “Zinfandel,” and most people will immediately think of California. But Australia is also home to some great examples of the grape variety. This one, from Barossa Valley, shows all the …