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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2022 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 -
2020 Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel
A deliciously juicy 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 -
2021 Bogle Old Vine California Zinfandel -
2022 Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Zinfandel
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$38.99 in mixed 6+ or $43.99 per bottle -
2021 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel -
2022 Ridge Vineyards Pagani Ranch Zinfandel
A lush Zinfandel blend from the masters of the genre, Ridge Vineyards. The Pagani vineyard was planted before prohibition (over 100 years ago) and it has been farmed by the same family for four ... read more$81.99 in mixed 6+ or $91.99 per bottle -
2022 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel -
2022 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$90.00 in mixed 6+ or $100.00 per bottle
