Zinfandel
Is Zinfandel the great American red? Valued there as ‘everyman’s claret’, Zinfandel might lack the nobility of Cabernet Sauvignon (a Californian stablemate) but is very, very easy to love. As an early ripener it can make full-bodied, rich reds and blends en masse (which if done badly could explain its once-poor reputation). But more boutique, low-cropped examples benefit from proper tannin structure and uniquely mouth-filling, chocolatey dark fruits - which in some heavily ripe wines reach a prune-like or port-like flavour profile. 'White Zinfandel' is simply the rosé or blush form. Sadly for proud Californians, Zinfandel’s origins and landfall in the region are still mysterious, but definitely not local - it was recently revealed as genetically identical to Primitivo from Italy/Croatia.
You might also like Primitivo
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2020 Rebel Ridge Zinfandel
A new Zinfandel on our shelves, this offering from Rebel Ridge is unashamedly Californian in style. It is sourced from old vines on which the fruit has been allowed to become extremely ripe, ... read more$22.99 in mixed 6+ or $25.99 per bottle -
2021 Sebastiani Sonoma County Zinfandel
Another winner from Sebastiani and everything we look for in a Californian Zin. Pleasure-centred and oh so satisfying — yet not too heavy — it is packed with ripe fruit, spicey tannins and ... read more$24.99 in mixed 6+ or $27.99 per bottle -
2019 Bogle Old Vine California Zinfandel
California Zinfandel that's ripe, rich and soft — and typically Californian. Seriously yummy, the estate's 60-80 year old vines impart a huge depth of ripe fruit and a mouth-filling texture. ... read more$30.99 in mixed 6+ or $34.99 per bottle -
2020 Francis Coppola Diamond California Zinfandel
A fruity and spicy California Zinfandel. This classy medium-bodied expression is red-fruited with spicey and toasty oak that is deepened by the inclusion of a small component of Petite Syrah. ... read more$38.99 in mixed 6+ or $43.99 per bottle -
2021 Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel -
2020 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel
A premium Californian Zinfandel from the masters of the form, Ridge Vineyards. Parts of the Lytton Springs vineyard have been under vine for more than a century. Since 1972, it has been ... read more$84.99 in mixed 6+ or $94.99 per bottle -
2021 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel
A premium wine from one of California’s most famous producers of top Zinfandel. From their Alexander Valley estate, the Ridge "Geyserville" is from the old-vine Zinfandel fruit that's been the ... read more$89.99 in mixed 6+ or $99.99 per bottle
