$ 14.99
$ 19.00
One of the best value boutique Zinfandels in California from Klinker Brick! An intense, fruit-filled wine you expect to cost at least twice as much. If you have yet to try a Zin from Lodi, this is the one!
The Klinker Brick Old Vines Zinfandel is produced from an amalgam of 14 different vineyard blocks, ranging in age from 35 to 110 years old. This vintage saw lower yields, producing a wine that is both complex and bold. Showing typical Klinker Brick cherry/berry/plum fruit components with aromatic spices on the nose, this wine is incredibly well balanced with a silky smooth texture and a long lingering finish. One of their best!
$ 24.99
93 Points WS
Always one of the favorite California Zins we carry.
93 Points Wine Spectator: "Plump and luscious, this is jam-packed with fruit. Lively blackberry, pepper and other spice box aromas lead to ripe and rich flavors of black raspberry, caramel and licorice. There are more complex Zinfandels, but few that are more enjoyable to drink. Drink now through 2025."
Wine Enthusiast: "You could use this as a teaching tool for classic Sonoma County Zinfandel. It's full-bodied, dry and spicy, with briary flavors of wild berries, mocha, tobacco, leather and exotic spices. More importantly, it's absolutely delicious. The grapes come from Seghesio's best vineyards in the Alexander and Dry Creek valleys. An astonishing value."
$ 24.99
An amazing value
Bedrock Winery is producing some of the most exciting new releases we've tasted in California and the Bedrock Old Vines Zinfandel is a fantastic wine and unbeatable value.
92 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): “The Bedrock Zinfandel Old Vine is gorgeous. Bright acids and floral overtones perk up the red berry fruit in a Zinfandel that delivers the goods, and plenty more. Bright and beautifully layered, the 2019 hits all the right notes. Then again, it is a blend of stellar sites, including Bedrock, Nervo, Sodini, Evangelho, Katushas’, Teldeschi, Pagani Ranch and Old Hill. Because of the COVID pandemic and uncertain short-term economic outlook, the 2019 includes quite a bit of wine that in more normal times would he bottled in the vineyard designates. Stated simply: buy as much as you can.”
A blend of legendary Sonoma County vineyards dating back to the 1880s, Morgon-Peterson's Old Vines zin makes a strong case for the best overall Zinfandel available today. It delivers the exuberance we expect of this generous grape, but transcends any superficial tendencies with a layer or three of earth, tannin, baking spices, and tip-top French oak treatment. A Zin that benefits from a few years in the cellar to develop gravitas and wow factor, but truly drinks great right out of the gates. Bedrock Zinfandels are the best in the business (the single vineyard bottlings are now uber-allocated). This is your chance to drink Bedrock Zin all the time. Delicious but limited - hurry.
$ 25.99
new!
A fantastic buy in California Zinfandel from Biale - delicious!
Party Line is a throwback to the old days of Zinfandel when California’s wine-growing families made wine for every-day consumption. The Biale Party Line Zinfandel is a fun and light hearted red wine that is made to enjoy now. Layered with aromatics of dusty strawberries, red licorice, black cherries and raspberry taffy. The entry is soft and weighty with succulent mid palate tannins that make for a long and juicy finish.
Perfecting the old California classics, Robert Biale Vineyards has become a revered standard of heritage Vineyard Zinfandel and Petite Sirah in Napa Valley. Napa natives, school chums, and winery Founders, Bob Biale and Dave Pramuk, cherish the tradition of historic old vines (some dating to the 1880s!) and prize the small quantity of concentrated and intense fruit that they produce. Diligent farming, expressive terroir, and superb elegance are the winery’s hallmarks. Among the winery’s portfolio of 20 wines that are crafted by winemaker Tres Goetting, Black Chicken Zinfandel is the flagship – and has become a benchmark for the varietal. It all started in the 1940’s when 14 year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother to make ends meet by selling to insider Napans – along with eggs and produce -some of the family’s homemade Zinfandel. Over the old “party line” phone system, the code words “a Black Chicken” signified a jug of bootleg wine…and kept nosy neighbors and the authorities from finding out about Aldo’s underground Zinfandel operation!"
$ 27.00
Black plum and pomegranate interlace with white pepper and cedar from the French oak. The William Knuttel Biglieri Zinfandel entry introduces a complex array of flavors, adding boysenberry and vanilla to the mix. An expansive mid-palate leads to a lingering finish. The balance of this quintessential Zinfandel allows great versatility with food, and its deceptive heartiness will reward experiments with exotic pairings. 288 Cases produced. 55 year old vines. Wine aged 21 months in 34% new and 66% 2year old barrels.
Winemaker William Knuttel’s 25 years experience along with his creativity and intuition guide him as he transforms fruit from Ottimino Vineyards into unparalleled wine.
Octogenarian Pio Biglieri trusts his neighbor Harold Hoskins to tend the vines with a meticulous touch and hands-off approach. As the harvest date nears he thins the crop cluster by cluster, retaining only the most evenly colored and ripened fruit. On picking day, additional clusters are eliminated through hand sorting. Given Zinfandel’s propensity for uneven ripening, it is always incredible when Biglieri’s Zinfandel hits the crush pad looking better than everything else.
$ 27.99
An amazing value
Bedrock Winery is producing some of the most exciting new releases we've tasted in California and the Bedrock Old Vines Zinfandel is a fantastic wine and unbeatable value.
94 Points Wine Spectator: "Spry and briary, this Zinfandel is fun to drink, with lively black cherry, licorice and dried sage flavors, which take on richness and cracked pepper accents toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2031. 4,000 cases made (Tim Fish).
Winemaker Notes: ""This is one of the strongest Old Vine Zinfandel bottlings we have made to date. The blend leans more heavily into fruit from Sonoma and Contra Costa counties. Fruit from the great Teldeschi Ranch comprises just over 20% of the blend, followed by Beeson, Sodini, Nervo, Dommen, Pagani, Papera, Evangelho, Pato, Katushas’ and Bedrock—aka, a pretty sweet set of vineyards going into our most entry level bottling. The finished blend is 85% Zinfandel with 7% Carignan, 4% Cinsault and bits and bobs of Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and other field-blended varieties. As usual, the average vine age is around 80 years old, making a truly an “old vine” cuvee. Our goal for this wine is always to make a Zinfandel that reflects what we love most about in California: to showcase great fruit but also spice, energy and freshness. Hailing from a drought year, this wine has an added degree of intensity that will make it great for early consumption or a little time sideways in the cellar.” Morgan Twain-Peterson
A blend of legendary Sonoma County vineyards dating back to the 1880s, Morgon-Peterson's Old Vines zin makes a strong case for the best overall Zinfandel available today. It delivers the exuberance we expect of this generous grape, but transcends any superficial tendencies with a layer or three of earth, tannin, baking spices, and tip-top French oak treatment. A Zin that benefits from a few years in the cellar to develop gravitas and wow factor, but truly drinks great right out of the gates. Bedrock Zinfandels are the best in the business (the single vineyard bottlings are now uber-allocated). This is your chance to drink Bedrock Zin all the time. Delicious but limited - hurry.
$ 29.99
A fantastic value in Old Vines Napa Valley Zin! The Girard Old Vines Zinfandel Napa Valley is a blend of 76% Zinfandel and 24% Petite Sirah. Sourcecd from mountain vineyards that provide a rich flavor extraction, fruit-forward palate and wonderful layers of complexity from multiple soil types. One of our favorite Napa Zins under $30.
90 Points Wine Spectator: "Plump and briary, with appealing black cherry and spice aromas and ripe, supple raspberry and licorice flavors. Drink now through 2029."
$ 29.99
$ 32.00
Another fantastic Three Valleys from Ridge and one of the best Zinfandel values anywhere!
"Three Valleys" is the proprietary name for the only Ridge wine blended from multiple vineyard sites. They select softer, more accessible lots from their single vineyards and, taking the role of winemaker literally, create a character they find most appealing. Younger vines from Lytton Estate provided most of the fruit; older vines on five small Alexander Valley vineyards and one Russian River vineyard make up the rest. This sixth vintage of Three Valleys contains the highest percentage of zinfandel to date. Sensuous structure and rich fruit give the wine immediate appeal; it will bemost enjoyable over the next five years.
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Ridge Three Valleys is another terrific wine from this team. A blend of 70% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 12% Carignan, and the rest Mataro, it plays in the medium-bodied, elegant end of the spectrum and has wonderful purity in its blue fruits, peppery herbs, violets, and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Nicely textured, elegant, and seamless on the palate, with good acidity, this ethereal, balanced beauty can be drunk today or cellared for 10-15 years."
92 Points Wine Spectator: "Svelte and briary, with vibrant raspberry and black cherry flavors, accented by licorice, tarragon and white pepper notes. Finishes with snappy tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro. Drink now through 2028. "
$ 33.00
Frank Family Zinfandel always sells out in a matter of months so order now to try one of our favorite Napa Valley Zins!
Frank Family Vineyard's Napa Valley Zinfandel is dense, dark scarlet to the eye; the nose is jam-packed with dazzling blackberries, plums, and black cherries touched with the essence of white pepper spice. The palate is rich and concentrated with mouth filling ripe fruit flavors interwoven with velvety tannins followed by a long, comforting finish.
$ 33.99
This great under the radar Red Zinfandel from Green & Red in Napa Valley is a beauty. Highly recommended.
Green & Red Vineyard, named for its red iron soils veined with green serpentine, is located in the steep hills on the east side of Napa Valley. The planting was started in 1972 on ground originally in vineyards in the 1890's. The vineyards are a small percentage of the 200-acre property, which ranges in elevation from 900 to 2,000 feet.The Tip Top Vineyard is located at 1700 ft in elevation and faces northeast. The soils are red and rocky. Red raspberry/currant/blackberry/laurel lead to a lively finish laced with ground black pepper.
Brix26 Inside Scoop: Green & Red Zinfandel has been on the wine list at Berkeley's famous Chez Panisse Restaurant since the inaugural vintage.
$ 34.99
94 points
Fantastic new Zinfandel from Hendry!
94 Points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a spicy, sublime and expansive wine, full bodied no doubt, yet brimming in freshness and complexity. It is red-fruit driven and dazzles in white and black pepper, accented by dashes of cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a long-lasting texture and richness."
The Hendry family has been farming in Napa since 1939. The Hendry Block 7 and Block 22 were planted in 1975 and 1995 respectively. All of the Hendry wines are made with estate fruit, and blocks 7 and 22 are located on the benchlands west of the city of Napa. Block 7 was planted in 1975 and block 22 was planted in 1995.
$ 34.99
Fantastic new Zinfandel from the The Prisoner Wine Co! Extremely limited new release - get your allocation before it sells out.
Saldo is a delicious blend of Zinfandel & Petite Sirah. Through the success of the Prisoner label, the winery has gained access to some of the best Zinfandel vineyards in Nothern California and made a high quality Zinfandel that doesn't fit the constraints of a single appelation. The result? SALDO.
93 Points Brix26: "The Saldo Zinfandel has a dark ruby color and intense aromas of dark cherry, cocoa powder and baking spice. The entry is rich and full, and leads into a broad mid palate with concentration and density, backed by lively acidity. The texture is soft and the tannins are polished. The finish is long with persistent notes of chocolate, berry and vanilla bean."
$ 34.99
Very limited Turley Juvenile Zinfandel.New release!
previous vintage Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Zinfandel Juvenile is a pretty, fragrant wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Bright floral and red-toned fruit notes convey a real sense of energy in this perfumed, entry-level Zinfandel from Turley. This is such a pretty wine. I very much like the energy here."
Winery Notes: "Though the vast majority of our wines are single vineyard designates, Juvenile is actually composed of a variety of young vines that have been replanted in several of our old vine sites. We tag the vine when we replant it so as not to mix the brand new vine with its much older neighbors, then pick these young vines separately and make a distinct wine. The vines that make up Juvenile range in age from about 6-25 years, and we pull from 15 of our vineyards across California, including Hayne, Ueberroth, Pesenti, Salvador, and Vineyard 101."
$ 34.99
Very limited Turley Zinfandel.
93 Points Wine Spectator "Best Buy": "Plump and zesty, this red is both fruit-forward and multilayered, featuring briary black cherry, licorice and toasty
sage flavors that fan out on the long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2030."
93 Points Robert Parker: "The Turley Zinfandel Old Vines has a medium ruby-purple color and bright, inviting red and blue berry fruits laced with notes of apricot and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, the palate is silky, soft, super fresh and approachable with understated but pure fruit character. Lovely!"
91 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Turley Zinfandel Old Vines is laced with the essence of black cherry, plum, spice, leather and licorice. Deep and juicy, but in the mid-weight style of the year, the 2019 hits all the right notes. The Old Vines is a blend of 26 different sites. Best of all, it's a steal at $35 a bottle."
...One of California's great wineries, Larry Turley's Turley Wine Cellars continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the Golden State's viticultural heritage, saving old, head-trained and sometimes own-rooted vineyards from destruction. With fully 29 different bottlings, Zinfandel (often complemented by small amounts of other co-planted varieties, such as Carignan and Grenache) is the standard-bearer here, though Turley also does a fantastic job with other varieties, most obviously Petite Syrah. Given how distinctive each of the single-vineyard bottlings is, it's tempting to suggest (though some will no doubt think it heretical) that Zinfandel might be the variety best adapted to expressing "terroir" in California."
$ 37.99
New Release of Rombauer's coveted Zinfandel!
The Rombauer Vineyards 2020 Zinfandel captures the essence of California Zinfandel with this ripe, fruit driven wine. It is filled with aromas of boysenberries, raspberries and wild berries. The wine is loaded with flavors of ripe, zesty wild berry and blackberry jam that picks up spicy, peppery notes. It finishes with a fantastic burst of fruit and concentrated berry flavors. A blend of Zinfandels from Rombauer's vineyards: 59% Amador, 24% Napa, 11% Lake, 6% El Dorado.
Tasting Notes: "The Rombauer 2020 Zinfandel California bursts with bright fruit aromas of cherry and red plum, with notes of vanilla, holiday spices, and lavender all jumping out on the nose. Plum flavors continue to the palate, joined by layers of raspberry jam, mocha, clove, and white pepper. The mid-palate is soft and creamy, framed by fine tannins and ending with a long, lush finish that will leave you wanting another sip."
$ 38.00
Fantastic new Zin release from Carlisle, one of our favorite small producers!
Robert Parker: "...The personality-filled Michael Officer and his beloved Carlisle Winery & Vineyards continues to turn out a gorgeous portfolio of exuberant, lovingly made, stunningly fruity and outright beautiful wines from historic vineyards and iconic grapes that, until the last generation or so, had tended to be forgotten in the early days of California winedom, after the repeal of Prohibition."
$ 39.99
One of our favorite small production Zinfandel producers, Brown Estate makes a fantastic red blend called Chaos Theory, a delicious mix of 50% Merlot, 25% Petite Sirah, 25% Zinfandel blend that will delight all red wine fans. Limited.
The 2021 Brown Estate Chaos Theory red has dense crimson color that leads to a fragrant nose of exotic Asian apple blossom, crushed rose petals, and cloves. This wine delivers a mouthful of soft, silky texture that gives way to ripe, forward fruit balanced with layers of complexity. Cascading flavors of blackberries, black cherries, cappuccino, and tobacco lead to herbaceous earthiness with undertones of big game and fresh sage and rosemary. This is a dark, deep, brooding and seductive wine that glides over your palate toward a long, elegant finish. The perfect wine to pair with boldly seasoned grilled meats and garlicky potatoes with coarse ground mustard, or a comforting beef pot pie.
$ 39.99
Awesome new release from one of our favorite small Napa Zin producers! If you aren't familiar with the reds from Elyse try them now as they always sell out fast. Old-vine Zin from the heart of the Rutherford Bench. The winemaker is now the man with the midas touch, Russel Bevan.
The Elyse Old Vines Zinfandel Napa Valley is deep purplish ruby in color and reveals intense aromas of sweet briary fruit, dried herbs and creme de cassis. Intoxicating aromas are followed by a cornucopia of flavors including black raspberries, wild cherries, black currants and orange zest,
$ 39.99
92 Points - limited release
Rare single vineyard Zinfandel from Hartford - Limited.
Wine Spectator: "Elegant, supple and well-structured, with raspberry and spice aromas and appealing cherry, tart blueberry and vanilla flavors, finishing with crisp minerality. Drink now through 2020. 420 cases made."
91+ Points Robert Parker: "The 2011 Zinfandel Fannucchi-Wood Road Vineyard, from vines that were planted over 100 years ago, is pure minerality. Reticent and intensely saline, the 2011 is intriguing, but also quite shut down today. Exotic citrus peel and floral notes emerge over time, but readers will have to be patient. Today, the Fannucchi-Wood Road is very much closed in on itself. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021...Proprietor Don Hartford and winemaker Jeff Stewart have done a fabulous job with these new releases. It is rare for a winery to excel with so many different wines across three varieties and a bevy of sites. Each of these wines is unique and distinctive, not to mention that virtually all of the wines are immensely pleasing as well. This year, I was especially taken with the 2011 Zinfandels, wines that all have tremendous energy and vibrancy. At times, the Hartford Zinfandels can be quite Pinot-like in style.."
$ 39.99
93 Points - limited
Rare single vineyard Zinfandel from Hartford - Limited
93 Points Robert Parker: "Another beauty is the 2013 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard, which comes from century-old vines, half of which are head-pruned and the other half are trained on a trellising system, hence the name. Aged in 50% new French oak, it includes a small percentage of old vine Carignane in the blend. Terrific blackcurrant and kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with loamy soil, pepper, spice and unsmoked cigar tobacco are all present in this big, full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel. It should drink well for 7-8 years."
93 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Blue and black stone fruits, pepper, savory herbs and dark spices are some of the notes that inform the 2013 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard. At once quite ripe and also tannic, the Highwire is a bit explosive in style, but all the elements come together very nicely. The huge, resonant finish makes a statement, that is for sure."
In addition to their enviable portfolio of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, Hartford Court is one of the top Zinfandel specialists in California. The five 2013 Zinfandels I tasted were all bottled early to preserve their fruit and character."
Fun Fact: The 96-year old Highwire Vineyard takes its name from the vineyards trellising systems: half of the parcel is head trained; half is trained on an unusually high wire strung between each vine. This unconventional trellising method was devised by vineyard owner Lloyd Chelli to permit greater sun exposure and promote even ripening. Both sections of the vineyard are harvested and evaluated individually before selecting the best lots to ensure consistency in style of the incredibly unique 'Highwire' Vineyard Zinfandel. The Chelli family cares deeply for the old vines behind their home. Their dedicated approach to farming is reflected in the character of the wine produced from their vineyard.
$ 39.99
Old Ghost represents the very best lots of Old Vine Zinfandel that Klinker-Brick Winery produces. This small-production Zin sells out quickly soon after each release. Try it while its still available!
For the past three vintages, Old Ghost has come from 90 plus-year-old vineyard blocks that typically produce tiny yields that are less than one ton per acre. Very keenly defined berry-like fruit gives great direction to the rich, sweetly oaked aromas of this tantalizing Zinfandel, and, even if it is biased to the ripeness of its provenance on the palate, it has admirable volume and depth. A streak of firming tannins provides a nice bit of grip and ensures several years of growth.
$ 39.99
95 Points
Limited new Zinfandel from Carlisle.
previous vintage 95 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "One of the stars in this range, the Carlisle Zinfandel Piner-Olivet Ranches is a blend of several vineyards that is meant to capture this specific district within the Russian River Valley. In 2018, those sites are Papera, Carlisle and Mancini, a combination that works brilliantly. Dark red /purplish fruit, lavender and menthol flesh out effortlessly, with bright acids that punctuate the finish."
Robert Parker: "...A great success story, Mike Officer’s Carlisle Winery continues to not only protect heritage old-vine sites in Northern California, but to also turn out a bevy of realistically priced, delicious, consumer-friendly wines, primarily from Zinfandel, although Officer can also turn a trick or two with Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah."
$ 39.99
Joel Peterson is well-known for the wines he crafted for his original Ravenswood label, the bestselling red Zinfandel brand in the world. After 45 years in the wine industry, he's back with a return to his original vision from many years ago with his new boutique label Once & Future.
93 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Mataro Oakley Road Vineyard is soft, fruity and absolutely delicious wine, with lovely red berry, spice and floral character. Bright saline notes extend the finish nicely. Medium in body and supple, with impeccable balance, the 2018 is so delicious. These own-rooted vines planted in the late 1890s confer real depth of flavor as well as personality. This is such a classy wine."
Mouvedre, the famous grape of Bandol, is known by the name Mataro in California. The Mataro grape has been planted in California since the 1870s, mostly as an adjunct in blends that were Zinfandel dominated. Though scarce, Mataro is an exceptional standalone grape in a few places. One of those is Oakley. In the eastern rain shadow of Mount Diablo near the San Joaquin River, vines on their own roots planted in sand dune-like soils in the late 1800s and early 1900s continue to produce some of the most interesting and highly regarded Mataro in California. The climate conditions are perfect for slow ripening grapes like Mataro. "The 2018 Mataro has an aroma that is redolent of sweet red cherries, with hints of bay leaf and wood smoke. There is a dollop of vanilla and caramel from the new (25%) French oak that adds roundness and depth to the bouquet. In the mouth the wine is bright, rich and red fruit driven with all the suppleness that one would expect from own-roots vines in such sandy soils. 119 year old vines. 360 cases bottled." - Joel Peterson, Once & Future
$ 39.99
95 Points - new release
Limerick Lane is back with a fantastic new Zinfandel. Limited.
$ 39.99
New!
A fantastic Zinfndel based blend from Venge. As Robert Parker said a few years ago, “It is a hedonistic fruit bomb, for sure, but also intellectually pleasing.”
Venge Scout’s Honor blend is based on a tradition of producing a full bodied and delicious red wine that is ready to consume upon release. We start with a base of old-vine Zinfandel and build upon that with old-vine Charbono, dry-farmed Petite Sirah, and finish with mountain Syrah. Full-bodied, concentrated, and gorgeous, with jammy, ripe black fruits, sweet currants, pepper spice, and mouthwatering deliciousness.
Full-bodied, concentrated and gorgeous, this vintage features an assemblage of violets, dried cinnamon, white flowers, fresh cut blue herbs, and a touch of barrel toast. The palate has loads black fruits and sweet currants, pepper spice, and an enveloping masculinity of char and tannins from the Syrah, Charbono and Petite Sirah. A seamless balance and mouth coating deliciousness lead to a wine that is quite pleasing to the senses. Cellared correctly it will age for 7 to 10 years.
First produced in 1996, this wine is dedicated in memory of our beloved, yellow Labrador Retriever, Scout. We immediately recognized that he was an exceptional Lab when we first met him in 1989 at the Napa County Animal Adoption Center. Rescuing Scout proved to be a destined decision! He was a loyal and loving companion who helped us welcome visitors to our winery for seven memorable years.”
Blend: 76% Zinfandel, 14% Charbono, 8% Petite Sirah & 2% Syrah
$ 41.99
New Release of Rombauer's rare Twin Rivers Zinfandel!
This wine is ruby red with a bright hue, with aromas of bright blackberry, black cherry, and briar notes. The aromas are echoed on the palate along with expansive and dense flavors of baking spices, vanilla, and dried florals. The ripe tannins frame the palate and provide a balanced texture to give the wine structure and roundness.
Spanish for “the gold,” El Dorado Vineyard sits not far from where the precious metal was first discovered in California. As the state’s early pioneers coveted gold, Koerner Rombauer so prized the Zinfandel from this site that he could not resist when the chance to buy the vineyard arose in 2010. This marks the eighth vintage of El Dorado Zinfandel under the Rombauer family’s ownership.
$ 42.99
$ 44.95
Andrew Nalle makes on of Calfornia's classic and classiest Zinfandels. Don't miss.
With only 13.8% alcohol and modest use of French oak aging, The Nalle 2020 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is bright and fruit forward in style, but with Dry Creek’s classic zinberry aromatics of cherry and strawberry. Smooth tannins and good midpalate weight, are a result of fresh berries and not raisins. 90% Zin, 7% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignane
The Nalle 2020 Dry Creek Classic Zinfandel was raised in 25% new oak and comes in at a very civilized 13.8% octane in this vintage. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a youthful blend of brambles, black raspberry, roasted game, dark chocolate, a fine base of soil tones, bonfire, youthful fresh herb tones and blossoming spices in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and nascently complex, with a rock solid core of fruit, ripe, tangy acids, buried tannins and fine balance and grip on the long and very promising finish. Like all of the Nalle Zinfandels, the 2020 is built for the cellar and will need some bottle age before it blossoms properly and starts to drink with generosity. However, once it is really ready to drink, it will be delicious.
$ 44.99
Fantastic new Ridge Zinfandel from the Dusi Vineyard in Paso Robles.
Benito Dusi Ranch is the only vineyard on the Central Coast that Ridge sources grapes from, and they've been making wines from the Zin vines there since 1967. The wines from this site are fruit-filled but balanced, with bright raspberry fruit and toasted coconut flavors.
$ 44.99
Fantastic new Ridge Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley.
92 Points Wine Spectator Magazine: "Appealingly old-school and just rustic enough to highlight the vibrant, briary wild berry flavors, laced with dried sage and licorice notes, building tension toward lively tannins. Drink now through 2028."
The growing season at this hilltop vineyard began favorably with mild spring weather. Thanks to steady, warm weather throughout August, all seven parcels were ready to pick by early September. After fermenting each separately, we chose six for their exuberant fruit, elegant tannins and balanced acidity. Enjoyable upon release the exemplary Ridge 2021 East Bench Zinfandel will evolve over six to seven years.
$ 44.99
Frank Family Zinfandel always sells out in a matter of months so order now to try one of our favorite Napa Valley Zins!
Frank Family Vineyard's 2019 Napa Valley Zinfandel is dense, dark scarlet to the eye; the nose is jam-packed with dazzling blackberries, plums, and black cherries touched with the essence of white pepper spice. The palate is rich and concentrated with mouth filling ripe fruit flavors interwoven with velvety tannins followed by a long, comforting finish.
$ 44.99
Frank Family Zinfandel always sells out in a matter of months so order now to try one of our favorite Napa Valley Zins!
Frank Family Vineyard's Napa Valley Zinfandel is dense, dark scarlet to the eye; the nose is jam-packed with dazzling blackberries, plums, and black cherries touched with the essence of white pepper spice. The palate is rich and concentrated with mouth filling ripe fruit flavors interwoven with velvety tannins followed by a long, comforting finish.
$ 46.99
94 Points - limited
Limited new Zinfandel from Carlisle.
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "From a well-known site in Sonoma, the 2017 Zinfandel Rossi Ranch offers ripe blackberry and cherry notes as well as complex ground herbs, underbrush, and earthiness. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and flawlessly balanced, it has fine tannins as well as a great, great finish."
94 Points Wine Spectator: "A compelling wine that balances a distinct personality with a finely crafted texture and structure. Expressive and brambly black and red fruit pairs with toasty sage and exotic baking spice notes. Drink now through 2029. 1,000 cases made."
Robert Parker: "...From humble beginnings in 1998, Carlisle continues to go from strength to strength, growing from a solid philosophy of sourcing mainly Zinfandel and Rhône varieties from ancient vineyards in Sonoma and further afield. So, most of the vines used by Mike and Kendall Officer were planted from 1888 to 1934. From 2013, they have their own winery in which to create their magic—the old Robert Mueller winery in Russian River Valley."
$ 47.00
Limited new Zinfandel from Carlisle.
previous vintage 93 Points Robert Parker: "From Mendocino Ridge, the Zinfandel DuPratt Vineyard is one of the few Carlisle Zins that is 100% Zinfandel. It carries its 15.6% natural alcohol naturally, with no heat or harshness. It is an elegant, nearly Pinot Noir-like red in its delicacy and grace. Medium-bodied with beautiful ripeness, crisp, tart acids, and a refreshing, cool climate-like character, it offers a complete contrast to the Russian River and Sonoma Zinfandels. Drink now-2020...
...A great success story, Mike Officer’s Carlisle Winery continues to not only protect heritage old-vine sites in Northern California, but to also turn out a bevy of realistically priced, delicious, consumer-friendly wines, primarily from Zinfandel, although Officer can also turn a trick or two with Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah."
$ 47.99
New!
Exclusive new limited release (#5) from Orin Swift Cellars: 8 Years in The Desert. Eight limited edition bottles will be released – one at a time – for the next eight years.
previous vintage 93 Points Robert Parker: "Medium garnet-purple colored, the Orin Swift Zinfandel Blend 8 Years in the Desert delivers notions of stewed plums, baked raspberries and fruitcake with hints of powdered cinnamon, clove oil, tree bark, hoisin and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of ripe, spicy black and red fruits, supported by chewy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and earthy. 8 Years in the Desert is a blend of 56% Zinfandel, 34% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah."
The Story: Dave has included a personal note for everyone selling the wine on the attached and as to what this release means to him after 8 Years of having not worked with Zinfandel which in context is the varietal that helped cement his career in the industry. Unlike other varietals Dave had to draw on an 8 Year memory of making Zinfandel and knowing that there would be a certain level of expectation of quality from both a wine and packaging elements. During the 8 Year hiatus, there has been a focus and thought regarding the wine and label every single day up until the actual harvest and design could begin which multiplied the effort by a factor of 20.
Winery Notes: The fifth chapter in the eight-part Zinfandel epic from legendary winemaker Dave Phinney is finally here. From the beginning, the concept behind 8 Years in the Desert involved creating eight unique labels—one for each vintage. It all started in 2008, when Dave Phinney sold The Prisoner brand. By doing so, he entered an 8-year non-compete where he could barely utter the word Zinfandel. In that 8-year exile, Dave published a book named 8 Years in the Desert which would become the name of his next ode to the Zinfandel grape. With the fifth chapter of 8 Years in the Desert, Orin Swift Cellars has taken the art of Zinfandel to yet another level. We hope you enjoy this wine as much as we enjoyed creating it.
$ 48.00
New release of one of our favorite boutique California Zins! Only 650 cases produced, get this up-and-coming Cult Zin before its gone.
previous vintage 96 Points Robert Parker: "The Zinfandel Starr Road Ranch Old Vine comes from a vineyard planted in 1920. A glorious level of licorice, black raspberry, blackberry, and cassis soars from the glass of this wine that wants to suggest old-vine material from a Mediterranean vineyard – but this is Russian River. Full-bodied, opulent, unctuous and a total decadent, hedonistic and intellectual turn-on, this wine should continue to offer great drinking for at least a decade....These are pretty serious Zinfandels and certainly Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa."
If you love the BIG Zin style made famous by wineries such as Turley, Rosenblum and Ridge, you owe it to yourself to get on the Gamba Zinfandel bandwagon.
$ 49.99
New Zinfandel from Chateau Montelena. Limited.
Beautiful and dark garnet in color, the Chateau Montelena Zinfandel opens with aromas of bright raspberry and floral top notes; followed by cedar, dried berries, dried plums, and the classic Zinfandel briar-berry along with hints of pipe tobacco and dusty cocoa. The palate opens softly, with exceptional balance, and builds nicely into a good full finish. Dried fruit notes are perfectly complemented by fresh, red currant and mature black fruit flavors. Very juicy on the palate, it is ripe and sweet, with good length and just a hint of herbs on the finish. It shows good weight and velvety tannins throughout - very fleshy without being overbearing - and should pair nicely with a wide variety of dishes.
$ 49.99
New release of one of our favorite boutique California Zins! Only 650 cases produced, get this up-and-coming Cult Zin before its gone.
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Coming all from the estate in the Russian River valley and all old vine Zinfandel, the Gamba Zinfandel Estate MCM is deeply hued with a beautiful bouquet of blueberries, wild strawberries, cedary spice, orange blossom, and exotic flowers. It’s beautifully balanced, has silky tannins, and just does everything right. It’s a rich, medium to full-bodied Zinfandel yet stays balanced and light on its feet. It’s a beauty.”"
Robert Parker: "These are pretty serious Zinfandels and certainly Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa."
If you love the BIG Zin style made famous by wineries such as Turley, Rosenblum and Ridge, you owe it to yourself to get on the Gamba Zinfandel bandwagon.
$ 49.99
Very limited Turley Zinfandel.
93+ Points Robert Parker: "The Zinfandel Cedarman is a blend of fruit from the Rattlesnake Ridge and Dragon vineyards and contains about 18% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple-black in color, it has a very dark, broody nose with dried violets, wild blackberries and briary fruits plus turned earth and nutmeg spice hints. Full-bodied, big and rich in the mouth with tons of lush black fruits and spicy layers, it's framed by very firm, fine-grained tannins and just enough freshness to lift the warm, spice-laced finish. 1,200 cases produced."
...One of California's great wineries, Larry Turley's Turley Wine Cellars continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the Golden State's viticultural heritage, saving old, head-trained and sometimes own-rooted vineyards from destruction. With fully 29 different bottlings, Zinfandel (often complemented by small amounts of other co-planted varieties, such as Carignan and Grenache) is the standard-bearer here, though Turley also does a fantastic job with other varieties, most obviously Petite Syrah. Given how distinctive each of the single-vineyard bottlings is, it's tempting to suggest (though some will no doubt think it heretical) that Zinfandel might be the variety best adapted to expressing "terroir" in California."
$ 49.99
New release!
The sixth vintage of Dave Phinney's Disciples Red under the Crane Assembly label, the 2019 has arrived. The new Prisoner! Limited.
previous vintage 93 Points Robert Parker: "A blend of 76% Zinfandel, 13% Charbono, 6% Grenache and 5% Petite Sirah, the Disciples Red is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with gorgeous notions of hoisin, Black Forest cake, prunes and potpourri with hints of black pepper, unsmoked cigars and cloves. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and oh-so-spicy, it fills the palate with decadent fruit and a plush texture, finishing with a lively lift."
From the new winery The Crane Assembly, the Disciples Red has quite a back story. In August of 2012, four friends (Dave Phinney, Darryl Browman, Kevin A. Fox and Bryan D. Sandoli) stood in the middle of a block of hundred year old Zinfandel. The vineyard was planted by George Beldon Crane in the late nineteenth century and is one of the icons of the Napa Valley. Hours earlier they had signed the paperwork to buy the vineyard and it was just in the nick of time...they picked the grapes the next morning. Since that first year wines were made from our G.B. Crane Vineyard under the el Coco label and the GB Crane label.
$ 49.99
$ 49.99
The most age worthy of all Ridge zinfandels, the Ridge Geyserville can be magnificent when young. From legendary 130 year old vines!
96 Points Decanter: "Enormously complex and full of personality. Lots of juiciness and briaryness, with notes of espresso, soy sauce and gaminess. Very rich, impressive and structured, 2020 was Ridge’s 55th consecutive vintage of Geyserville, a wine that many Ridge collectors consider the winery’s best Zinfandel blend. Its pedigree is uncontested. Made from old vines, some of which are more than 125 years old and 60% of which are 50 years old or older, leading of course to tiny yields. A historic field blend of approximately 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro (the old name used in California for Mourvedre). The grapes are grown in three adjoining vineyards, all of which are defined by an ancient washout of the Russian River that carried and deposited gravel and river stones to the site."
95 Points Connoisseurs Guide: "In the very first Issue of Connoisseurs’ Guide, back in November, 1974, Ridge Geyserville was among the most highly praised wines. And, now four decades and five years later, the very same wine sits at the top of the ratings table. But there is an interesting difference. This wine is among the most mannerly Geyservilles ever. Yes, it is its usually deep and complex self with ripe berries both black and blue profoundly expressed all joined with the richness and flavor length that has been prominent in the very best vintages. And, yes, that expected stratum of solid tannins shows up in the finish and promises a long and rewarding aging curve. This is Geyserville, and it still makes our palates sing and puts a smile on our faces. Buy it."
...In January 2021, Ridge's long-time winemaker Eric Baugher announced his departure from the company in order to pursue a new winemaking venture in Napa. John Olney, who has been with Ridge for 25 years, is the new COO and head winemaker. He will oversee production at both the Monte Bello and Lytton Springs facilities.
Located on the western edge of Sonoma's Alexander Valley, Geyserville was Ridge's first source of red wine grapes, other than Monte Bello Ridge. The combination of Geyserville's climate, gravelly soils, and varietal mix (zinfandel, carignane, petite sirah, alicante, mataro, etc.) imparts elegance and definition not usually associated with zinfandel. It's hard to describe a "typical" Geyserville. Each vintage is unique, distinct, extraordinary. Yet they do have elements in common, including the blackest of blackberry fruit, peppery spice, tar, cedar. The term "layered" was invented for Geyserville. And the wines change, re-inventing themselves in bottle, developing more nuance and complexity as years pass. The '73 still shines.
$ 49.99
New Zinfandel from Chateau Montelena. Limited.
Beautiful and dark garnet in color, the Chateau Montelena Zinfandel opens with aromas of bright raspberry and floral top notes; followed by cedar, dried berries, dried plums, and the classic Zinfandel briar-berry along with hints of pipe tobacco and dusty cocoa. The palate opens softly, with exceptional balance, and builds nicely into a good full finish. Dried fruit notes are perfectly complemented by fresh, red currant and mature black fruit flavors. Very juicy on the palate, it is ripe and sweet, with good length and just a hint of herbs on the finish. It shows good weight and velvety tannins throughout - very fleshy without being overbearing - and should pair nicely with a wide variety of dishes.
$ 49.99
97 Points - new release
The new Ridge Lytton Springs Red now available! Limited.
97 Points Wine Enthusiast: "This seamless, polished but also firm and well-structured wine achieves power with grace. Wonderful black fig, black olive and plump blackberry flavors ride a full body backed by good, well-integrated tannins. This classic from Ridge’s Sonoma County property consists of 79% Zinfandel plus 11% Petite Sirah and 10% Carignan. Best from 2025-2040."
95 Points Decanter: "This has lots of horizontal tannins that provide fine muscle and form. It's medium- to full-bodied with freshness and brightness. Red berries, crushed cloves and other spices. Grapey, for a better word. Sophisticated. Chewy, Needs time to soften. Zinfandel with petite sirah and carignan. Drinkable now, but better with two or three years of bottle ageery juicy and chewy with mulberry and mocha notes. Paul Draper’s love of old California field blends and his belief that Petite Sirah and Carignane (which Ridge spells in the old California manner with an 'e' at the end) add a complementary intrigue to Zinfandel are at work in the Lytton Springs. Accordingly, the wine is not labelled Zinfandel even though at 79% Zin, it could be. The 10% Carignane adds an earthy, sensual, south-of-France character to the flavour. The Petite Sirah - which is never petite in California - adds power and a wallop of tannin. A very distinct wine, mostly from old vines, some of which date back to 1901. Ridge, which has been making Lytton since 1972, bought the vineyard in the early 1990s"
95 Points James Suckling: "This has lots of horizontal tannins that provide fine muscle and form. It's medium- to full-bodied with freshness and brightness. Red berries, crushed cloves and other spices. Grapey, for a better word. Sophisticated. Chewy, Needs time to soften. Zinfandel with petite sirah and carignan. Drinkable now, but better with two or three years of bottle age
$ 52.00
New release!
The inaigural vintage of Prisoner Pinot Noir has arrived!
From the most recognized Napa Valley red blend comes a bold, new wine. Made in the same iconic style as The Prisoner Red Blend, we proudly introduce The Prisoner Pinot Noir. Blended for taste. Unrestricted by tradition.
The Prisoner Pinot Noir is a mix of Russian River and Carneros AVAs produces this classic Sonoma Coast PN with notes of strawberry jam,cinnamon spice, cherry, and dried herbs. Russian River contributes dark cherry and savory notes along with suppletannins. Sonoma Carneros contributes elegance and a silky, lengthy mouthfeel. Barrel aging caps.
$ 54.00
54 Points - limited
Limited new Rossi Ranch Sonoma County Zinfandel from Carlisle.
95 Points Wine Spectator: "Vibrant and expressive, with compelling cherry and raspberry flavors laced with spice, cinnamon and orange zest. Builds richness and texture toward refined, briary tannins. Drink now through 2030. 404 cases made."
Robert Parker: "...From humble beginnings in 1998, Carlisle continues to go from strength to strength, growing from a solid philosophy of sourcing mainly Zinfandel and Rhône varieties from ancient vineyards in Sonoma and further afield. So, most of the vines used by Mike and Kendall Officer were planted from 1888 to 1934. From 2013, they have their own winery in which to create their magic—the old Robert Mueller winery in Russian River Valley."