Deep ruby with nice clarity. The nose is packed with raspberry, cherry and most of the berry family. You get the impression this is going to be a fat overdone Zin, but the palate is surprisingly elegant with subtle fruit and a definite spiciness. The velvety mouth feel adds richness. Unlike many Zin’s, this beauty processes nice fine tannins. The finish is long and satisfying. Great with pizza and barbeque. Drink now. The source for these grapes is the Chiles Valley, made famous by the Green and Red Winery.

Titus is a second generation family winery piloted by brothers Eric and Phillip Titus, the farmer and winemaker respectively. They focus on limited production, ultra-premium red wines from their 40 acres of vines located along the Silverado Trail in Napa. Their 2004 Zin has everything we should be looking for in a well-made Zinfandel: full bodied fruit with a touch of leathery spice and briar, with a special quality that can only be described as “berryish,” but what I consider a hallmark of the variety. A splash of Petite Syrah is blended in for better color and depth, much in the fashion at Ridge. It has a firm structure suited for laying down for a year or so, but is irresistible for immediate consumption. As this vineyard has been the source for Zinfandel for over a century, it is a fine wine to pick out as an “Old Vine” candidate for a comparative tasting.

Paso Robles has long been an ideal climate for the production of Zinfandel with it’s long, hot days and cool nights. This 2004 Zinfandel from EOS is a wine that shows off the varietal power that this region is famous for.  The wine starts out with big fruit up front, then finishes with flavors of cherry, spice, and a hint of pepper.  This vintage is very food friendly, so fire up the grill and pop a cork. Spring is just around the corner!

Subtle enough to pair with food, yet supple enough to stand alone, the Sin Zin offers something for everyone. Dark fruit flavors make an immediate appearance, followed by hints of mild spice and dark chocolate. The finish is short and smooth - think of a houseguest that knows just the right time to leave. If pizza or peppery red meat is on the menu tonight, look no further than this refreshingly mellow red Zin.

Tin Barn Zinfandel pours a deep ruby red with a nose that has a soft jamminess and a touch of earthiness. The taste is somewhat tame, consisting of light plum flavors and more of the jam that we detected in the initial nose. The finish dominates the palate with a strong spiciness and a hint of cracked pepper. The taste that lingers is not too dry and lasts a few seconds before it dissipates. This wine would benefit from food pairing, possibly with some sharp cheddar, sausage, or dark chocolate.

Gnarly Head's Zinfandel is a quality wine at a good price point. Immediately after uncorking the bottle, one detects pleasant aromas of cooked berries and spice emanating from the glass. The wine’s overall taste varies from fresh and ripe, to a slightly baked and rustic finish. So if you looking for a crowd pleasing bottle of “splunk”, or just something to serve with pizza, Gnarly Head would be a fine choice.

A deep, ruby color is the first thing that greets the eyes with this boastful Sonoma Zinfandel. A pleasant nose of cherries, blackberries, and highland mulberries prime the palate for what’s to follow: a true “Zin Zone” explosion of fruit, earthiness and good karma. A nice, medium dryness completes this masterful offering. It compliments grilled meats or any hearty pasta dish. For a mid-range priced Zinfandel, this Rancho Zabaco selection should be high on your list!!!

This is an amusing little zinfandel. Not too bold, but it definitely will not disappoint the true Zinophile. It has rich black fruit balanced by firm tannins so it doesn’t melt into a fruit bomb. There is a hint of oak up front that adds to the spice. This is basically a medium bodied Zin, but the finish is long and leaves the taste of a chocolate covered cherry lingering on the palate.