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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2019 Sebastiani Sonoma County Zinfandel
Sam Kim
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 moreElsewhere up to $24.99 Save $5.00 $19.99 in mixed 6+ or $22.99 per bottle -
2018 Rebel Zin18 Zinfandel
Richard Caro
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 moreElsewhere up to $24.99 Save $5.00 $19.99 in mixed 6+ or $22.99 per bottle -
2018 Bogle Old Vine California Zinfandel
Richard Caro
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 moreElsewhere up to $29.99 Save $5.00 $24.99 in mixed 6+ or $27.99 per bottle -
2019 Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Zinfandel
Cameron Douglas MS
An organic take on this rare variety in NZ. Instead of aiming for the heavy Californian style, Stonecroft use the moderate heat of Gimblett Gravels to make this sun-loving grape into a red ... read more$27.99 in mixed 6+ or $30.99 per bottle -
2018 Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel
Sam Kim
A deliciously rich California Zinfandel that has also won accolades over the years. Bright red and spicy black fruits have a gently aromatic nose and a juicy (not jammy) palate. Offering real ... read more$29.99 in mixed 6+ or $33.99 per bottle -
2018 Francis Coppola Diamond California Zinfandel
Richard Caro
A fruity and spicy California Zinfandel. this elegant and medium-bodied expression is red-fruited with spicey, almost floral characters (from the small Petite Syrah component?). Shows the ... read moreElsewhere up to $36.99 Save $7.00 $29.99 in mixed 6+ or $33.99 per bottle -
2019 Ridge East Bench Zinfandel
James Suckling
A recent arrival for a winery with such illustrious history, Ridge has made the East Bench label as a single-site Zinfandel since 2006. Today it is one of only two Ridge Zins made entirely from ... read more$49.99 in mixed 6+ or $55.99 per bottle -
2019 Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel
John Caro
A premium wine from one of California’s greatest, oldest producers of top Zinfandel. From their Alexander Valley estate, the Ridge "Geyserville" is from the old-vine Zinfandel fruit that's ... read more$64.99 in mixed 6+ or $72.99 per bottle -
2019 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel
John Caro
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$64.99 in mixed 6+ or $72.99 per bottle