There are quite a few reasons I not only drink Zinfandel on the regular but rarely turn down an opportunity to taste Zin if presented. Food friendliness and value relative to so many other grapes at a high level are among those reasons. But the biggest reason is how diverse it is as a grape. Zinfandel can vary so much based on where it’s grown as well as the winemaker’s choices. Here are four examples I’ve tasted recently that stood out.
Victor Hugo Winery 2017 Estate Zinfandel ($26)
I’ve long been a fan of this Boutique Paso Robles producer. This is entirely Zinfandel from the Templeton Gap section of Paso. It leans towards red fruit aromas and flavors tinged by darker fruits. Red raspberry and Bing cherry are buttressed by bits of boysenberry, black pepper, dusty cocoa and hints of toast. As with their portfolio in general this wine is impeccably proportionate and will reward those with the patience to cellar it for the next 5-8 years.
McCay Cellars 2016 TruLux Zinfandel ($32)
This bottle was my first time tasting a wine from McCay Cellars, a Lodi based producer and it certainly won’t be my last. Tasting this Zinfandel was eye-opening. If I had to use a single word to describe this Zin, I’d choose pretty. Everything about this Zinfandel from the beautiful aromatics to the lovely, gentle palate is just that, pretty. Ripe strawberry and red raspberry inform the nose. Those characteristics continue on the palate where they’re joined by savory herbs and bits of red apple. The finish shows off tart fruit and bits of black tea.
Rombauer 2018 Zinfandel ($35)
This Zinfandel combines fruit from Amador County (42%), Lake County (32%), Napa County (17%), and Lodi (3%). In addition to Zin there’s 3% Petite Sirah blended in. Amador County is the largest contributor by percentage and it’s apparent to me when tasting this offering. This a a deeply favored Zin loaded with deep, dark and lush flavors. Black Raspberry, Blackberry and Boysenberry are all in play here. Bits of vanilla bean, chocolate sauce and pepper spice come along for the ride too. It’s bold and somewhat bodacious but still balanced.
Peterson Winery 2015 Bradford Mountain Estate Zinfandel ($40)
Zinfandel is one of the signature grapes of Dry Creek Valley and Peterson Winery makes a handful of distinct examples. This offering from their Bradford Mountain Estate is consistently among their most impressive and age-worthy. The nose is stuffed with spice and dark fruit. Black plum, blueberry, and black raspberry flavors are all evident. Pepper spice, earth and bits of chicory are evident on the finish. A firm vein of acidity keeps things mouthwatering and simply delectable.
There’s a wide world of interesting Zinfandels out there to taste. Here at four delicious and well priced examples to put on your short list.