Recommend a good Zinfandel?

Question

Under 20 bucks? Not that pink stuff...I mean real Zin...dark inky red zinfendel is what I like.

It is astounding how many wine drinkers have never had a real Zin...everyone thinks tha the "white zinfandel' Real Zin is darker than blood. If you like reds, then you ought to try one

Re: Cheapskate...I had a really nice bottle of Peterson Zin for 18$....so, i know there must be others.

Answer 1

First off, you are not gettng any '95 or '96 bottles as mentioned above; they've been out of the stores for years, but current releases of those brands are generally okay. Looks like someone found some old article on google.

I am a zin fanatic; without the price cap, Turley Hayne Vineyard wins hands down (okay, anything from Turley).

Anything from Ridge (especially Geyserville and Lytton Springs ) are exceptional.

Ravenswood single vineyard bottlings (pickberry, dickerson etc....) are better than their Sonoma or Vintners Blends.

Biale (Chicken Ranch if you can get it ) might be over your price point but worth it.

Seghesio (mentioned above) is fantastic.

Bogle Old Vines does not suck, and is under $10.

Anthing from Carlyle, and Rosenblum if very dependable.

Answer 2

Geyser Peak 1995 (Sonoma County)

$15 13.3-pecent Alcohol

This wine has a fantastic Sonoma county aroma and freshness. Not a monster Zin, by any means, it's somewhat reminiscent of the flavorful 1995 Sausal but with more of an "old-vines" flavor and quality. You get the sense that this wine could have been made into a blockbuster if the winery had more of a Zin focus. Its winemaker, the famous Daryle Groom, is from Australia and my guess is that he has yet to warm up to this grape. In fact, this wine is incredibly hard to find considering the fact that it comes from such a large operation. 90 points.

Seghesio Old Vine 1996 (Sonoma County)

$20 14.2-percent alcohol

I wanted to try this wine with food since first tasting it and awarding it 93 points. I didn't notice any relative difference. It's a beautiful wine by any standards although my earlier notes indicated more oak than I noticed in this bottle. Perhaps it is melding into the wine somewhat. Unlike some Zins this wine is excellent with food and would probably go well with everything. 93

Rabbit Ridge 1996 Zinfandel -- Winemakers Grand Reserve -- (Sonoma County)

$27+ -- 13.7-percent

It's a shame that this wine is so expensive. A fabulous, near-perfect Zinfandel. Curiously I was sipping it when Mark McGwire hit number 62. Not a dark burdensome wine, more like a great Burgundy than a Bordeaux. This wine defines the concept of "layers of fruit." It also slaps in the face the notion that Zins must be over 14-percent to be any good. Perfect acid balance, a beautiful Zin nose, long finish. It has everything you'd want from any wine from any region. World class beauty. Ready to drink and a completely satisfying wine experience. Incredible. 95 points.

Answer 3

Valley of The Moon - Zinfandel. From Sonoma County
I warn you though, this is a gargantuan Zin. It's not for the faint of heart.
I prefer Italian Primitivos, vinted from the same grape varietal, but the Italian terra and style produce a lighter red. Although Primitivos are never meant to be fine wines, can't find one over $20.

Answer 4

I love reds and I know California Reds. I cant stand red zin. Maybe the few I have tried were bad. I will take a Pinot, Merlot, Cab...I have been tasting some very good meritages lately.

A great wine I just tried was a Beringer 2003 Alluvium, Knights Valley. A Very dark blood red wine.

A lush, intense-cherry, blackberry core is given by the 76% Merlot, while the 15% Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and adds depth to the dark fruit aromas and flavors. Small amounts of Malbec, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc contribute spice, orange zest, roasted coffee, and fruit nuances to the palate, giving an overall impression of plushness and depth.

I have bought more of this to add to my cellar.

Answer 5

Any of the Zins from Four Vines Winery. The Maverick and Biker are my two favorites and I love a good Zin. Four Vines also makes a great Zinfandel Port and a very good Chardonnay (Naked). If you go to their website they provide information on where to find their products. If they are not available in your area, just go to your local wine shop and ask an employee. Most people working in a wine shop love to talk about and recommend wine.

Answer 6

I love Wild Horse Zinfandel from Paso Robles. Peachy Canyon is also very good. Rafinelli from Sonoma County is also quite good. I had a reserve Zin from Cline Cellars in Sonoma that tasted like liquid black berry jam. Totally out of this world.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Thurston Wolfe, Washington State makes an excellent Zinfandel
VineHeart, Washington State also, both made with Washington grapes.

California has some EXCELLENT Zinfandels.

Answer 8

Try Boones Farm cheap skate. You cant find a good Zinfandel for under $20

Answer 9

For sure - Kendall-Jackson 2002. You wont be disappointed.

Answer 10

I'm sorry. There's no such thing.