Zinfandel Wine

Winemaker Description

Ménage à Trois Red Blend brings together three strange bedfellows: Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. To add complexity and retain character, each variety was fermented separately, then blended together prior to bottling. On top you’ve got Zinfandel, a saucy tease that brings blackberry and raspberry jam to the relationship. Merlot, with its generous mouthfeel and red fruits, fits perfectly in the middle. The rich flavors and firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon make it the ideal candidate for the bottom layer of the trio.

Forward, silky, and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats and chicken.

About Ménage à Trois

Ménage à Trois is produced by Folie à Deux Winery in California’s Napa Valley. The brand was born from a simple but inspired idea: that the best wines are often the result of unexpected partnerships. By blending Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon — three varieties rarely combined — winemaker Glen Salva created a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. Rich, approachable, and unapologetically fun, Ménage à Trois has become one of California’s most beloved red blends, consistently delivering crowd-pleasing fruit and silky texture at an everyday price.

Food Pairings

Grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, pizza, pasta with meat sauce, mild cheddar, and charcuterie. A crowd-pleasing red that works at any table, any night of the week.

Product Details

• Producer: Folie à Deux Winery
• Region: California, USA
• Blend: Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Forward, silky, fruit-driven California red blend
• Format: 750ml

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points (Tonya Pitts) | Bold and supple with aromas of red currant, dark strawberry, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasty oak. The palate mirrors the nose with hibiscus tea, cracked black pepper, silky tannins, and a smooth finish. Pair with a shredded chicken sandwich with Alabama BBQ sauce. (Vintage 2023)

Winemaker's Notes
 
McManis Family Vineyards crafts this Zinfandel as a rich, fruit-forward expression of California's Central Valley. Deep purple in the glass, it is loaded with notes of ripe red currant, strawberry, caramelized sugar, and toasty oak. Savory red fruit on the palate leads to soft, supple tannins and a long, smooth finish.

    •    Winery: McManis Family Vineyards
    •    Appellation: California
    •    Varietal: Zinfandel
    •    Vintage: 2023
    •    Format: 750ml
    •    Style: Bold, fruit-forward, smooth tannins
    •    Pairings: BBQ, grilled meats, burgers, spiced dishes

Winemaker Description

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is grown from some of the oldest vines in California — untamed, gnarled vines that produce full-flavored, concentrated grapes dense with character. The nose opens with aromas of blackberry bramble, juicy plum, and toasted oak. On the palate, this medium-bodied Zinfandel delivers balanced acidity and supple tannins, with a bold, eclectic edge that sets it apart from the crowd.

Pairing Suggestions

• BBQ & Grilled: Rich and tangy BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, or grilled sausages.
• Spiced Dishes: Chili, mini stuffed peppers, or spiced lamb kebabs.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or aged Monterey Jack.

Turley Wine Cellars Juvenile Zinfandel — California 2024 750ml

Turley Wine Cellars is California’s most celebrated Zinfandel specialist, founded by Larry Turley in Napa Valley in 1993 with a singular mission: to rescue and vinify fruit from California’s oldest, most historic Zinfandel vines. The Juvenile is Turley’s entry-level Zinfandel — but “entry-level” is a relative term here. Sourced from younger vines across California’s finest Zinfandel-growing regions, the Juvenile consistently delivers the house’s signature combination of perfumed aromatics, mid-weight elegance, and vibrant fruit character. The 2024 vintage is described by critics as an especially delicate and gracious expression — a beauty by any measure.

The 2024 Juvenile opens with crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, and mint on an expressive, perfumed nose. The winemaker notes juicy dark cherries, blackberries, and just-ripened raspberries alongside savory Thanksgiving spices. On the palate, notes of salty dried meats and brambly fruits are paired with silken tannins — mid-weight, refined, and utterly drinkable.

Vinous 91 Points — “A very pretty entry-level offering from Turley. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice and mint give this mid-weight, perfumed red tons of character. The 2024 is an especially delicate, gracious Zinfandel. What a beauty.”

• Producer: Turley Wine Cellars, Napa Valley, California (est. 1993)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Zinfandel
• Style: Mid-weight, perfumed, elegant California Zinfandel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Crushed flowers, sweet red berry, spice, mint, dark cherry, blackberry, raspberry, savory spice, salty dried meat, brambly fruit, silken tannins
• Best Paired With: BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, roasted lamb, pizza, aged Gouda, charcuterie

California’s greatest Zinfandel specialist at its most approachable — Turley Juvenile 2024 is a perfumed, elegant beauty built for drinking now.

#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025 | #71 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the USA 2025

California Zinfandel That Stands Among the Greatest in the World

Ridge Vineyards has been one of California's most celebrated estates since the 1960s, and Lytton Springs — an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972 — is among their most iconic bottlings. The 2023 vintage blends 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, and 1% Mataro, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. A cooler growing season delayed harvest by a month, delivering a wine of remarkable restraint, freshness, and structural elegance — built to drink beautifully now and evolve through 2035 and beyond.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 98 pts: "Initial chewiness leads to fine tannins, with good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance. Enjoy now through 2033."
• Decanter — 96 pts: "Fresh aromas of herbs from a bouquet garni mix with earthy tones and subtle sweet notes from baking spices. The fruit profile oscillates between ripe red and black berries, with a touch of plums and ripe cherries. Tannins are firm yet polished, with a soft creaminess to the palate. Balanced and enjoyable now, with many years to evolve."
• Wine Spectator — 95 pts: "Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper, and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Drink now through 2035."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "A lovely release with lots of freshness from a cooler vintage. Bright and perfumed aromas of red cherries, raspberry coulis, confit plums, licorice, and spice. Full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and vibrant, crunchy acidity."
• Vinous — 95 pts: "Powerfully aromatic and expressive from the jump. Explodes from the glass with dark blue fruit, lavender, and blood orange peel, framed by mocha-like richness and a wave of exotic spice. The texture is pure silk. Remarkable persistence and poise — clearly built for the long haul."

Winemaker Notes

Nose of raspberry, pepper, licorice, and a hint of vanilla. Black cherry and plum on the palate with supple tannins, minerality, and present acidity. Long, layered finish with notes of garrigue and black tea.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
• Vineyard: Lytton Springs Estate, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
• Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 100% air-dried American oak
• Drink: Now through 2035+
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for bold, rustic fare — exceptional with BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar sausage, aged cheddar, and wood-fired pizza.

Producer Notes

Marietta Cellars has been crafting their Old Vine Red blend in Sonoma County since 1980, releasing it in numbered lots — each one a unique expression of the vintage. Lot 74 is a Zinfandel-based blend of old vine fruit, incorporating Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache, and Barbera. It jumps out of the glass with lovely bright plum fruit — dark and focused with notes of briar patch and black tea. Medium-bodied with sweet spice, velvety tannins, and electric vibrancy. A wine that strikes a perfect balance between fruit-forward enjoyment and layered sophistication.

Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache, Barbera

Expert Reviews

• Robert Parker 93 pts | Spicy and easy to drink with aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate, and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish.

Food Pairings

• BBQ ribs or grilled sausages
• Braised short ribs or lamb chops
• Pizza, burgers, or hearty pasta
• Aged cheddar or smoked gouda

Napa Zinfandel with Finesse — From One of California’s Iconic Estates

Grgich Hills is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, founded by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich — the winemaker behind the legendary 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Their 2019 Napa Valley Zinfandel is a departure from the overblown Zins of the past: elegant, fresh, and certified organic, with lifted acidity and fine-grained tannins that showcase what Zinfandel can do when approached with finesse.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

• Decanter — 92 pts: “Opulent and lavish nose of menthol, cassis and spice, palate of dark fruit, redcurrant, bramble and spicy oak.”
• Wine Review Online — 92 pts: “A breath of fresh air. An elegant medium ruby with strawberry jam, sweet cherry, vanilla, fine-grained tannins and lifted, fresh acidity. This wine showcases well what Zinfandel can do when approached with finesse.”

Winemaker Notes

Grgich Hills Zinfandel Napa Valley 2019 750ml

Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, with mixed red berries and lively tannins adding luscious texture through the mid-palate. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and superb freshness — built to age beautifully for many years.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Zinfandel
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Grgich Hills Estate
• Vintage: 2019
• Certified: Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile red — excellent with BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, pizza, lamb burgers, aged cheddar, and spiced dishes.

Our Professional Review

David of 67Wine.com |  If you are looking for a natural style wine this is fabulous. You may say to yourself this is so different in the tradition of a wine from old world France in the bard yard style. Its power immediately comes at you. If you prefer modern style California Zinfandel, then this wine is not for you. If you are an explorer, with a skydiver personality, I highly recommend this wine.

Expert Rating

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Organically farmed fruit from the Russian River Valley, neutral oak aging and the talents of Eric Sussman and his team at RadioCoteau combine to make this a pretty great zin for the price. It’s bursting with fresh wildblueberry flavor, rustic and harmonious in its barnyard-scented tannins. This is ready to decant for grilled vegetables or meats. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

The 2020 County Line Zinfandel is characterized by powerful fruit and spice aromas balanced by refreshing acidity and herbal complexity. It speaks to both the robust essence of the grape and the nuances of its Sonoma Coast terroir. The wine is vibrant, with scents of nutmeg-spiced blackberry pie and sun-warmed strawberry, elevated by floral earl grey tea. These rich, fruity notes are followed by earthy briar and flint on the palate, with a lively, savory finish. Lingering flavors of cacao nib and rugged leather make for a sophisticated compliment to the voluptuous fruit in the nose. Immediately approachable, this Zinfandel also has depth and layers to entice thoughtful sipping. An ideal pizza pairing, savor a bottle alongside a hearty salsiccia, or a white pizza with roasted zucchini flowers. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

This vibrant Zinfandel opens with enticing aromas of dark plum, raspberry compote, and a touch of sandalwood. The palate reveals layered notes of baked strawberry, savory dried herbs, and a hint of cracked pepper. Ripe, structured tannins and bright acidity provide balance and lift, carrying the wine through a lingering finish.

Zinfandel is foundational to California’s viticultural heritage. This bright and bountiful grape has thrived in the Golden State since the 1880s. While it has become more scarce as Napa Valley continues to evolve and become more Cabernet-centric, Frank
Family Vineyards is honored to champion this beautiful grap and its iconic legacy.

This Napa Valley designate is primarily cultivated from our estate S&J Vineyard in Capell Valley, 206 acres located east of the Vaca Mountain range in the Napa Valley AVA. It is planted to 58 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with 9 acres of Petite Sirah, and 9 acres of Zinfandel. The soils are fertile, well-draining, and clay loam-based, reminiscent of the Rutherford Bench. Along with S&J, grapes from neighboring vineyards in Chiles Valley (Sunseri Vineyard), Calistoga. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Handsomely structured and full-bodied yet refined in approach, offering blackberry and cherry flavors laced with mocha espresso and cinnamon notes that build richness toward polished tannins.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | A generous and glittering Zinfandel that is both savory and mouthwatering. This wine showcases raspberry, ripe plums, tobacco and dry, forest notes. Robust and lengthy.

James Suckling 91 Points |  Aromas of blueberry tart, poached rhubarb, cigar box and sweet spices. The palate is full-bodied with firm yet integrated tannins, bright acidity and notes of black cherries, baking spices and burnt oranges. Block 28 sits at 60 meters above sea level and is planted to St. George rootstock. The wine is aged for 15 months in 65% new oak. A powerful and tightly bound wine that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

Hendry Block 28 is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa. This 4.17-acre block is 160 feet above sea level and has thin, stony soils. Morning fog and strong afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay moderate the maritime climate. The vines were planted in 1998 using St. George roots and grafted with budwood selected from an old-vine Zinfandel vineyard on Mt. Veeder called the Brandlin Vineyard. The vines are spaced 6.9' x 5', cordon-trained and spur-pruned. A vertical trellis system supports the cordon and the canopy.

Mt. Veeder’s Brandlin Ranch was planted in 1926 with a Zinfandel which produces complex, intense fruit.  The character of this mountain fruit was very interesting to George. In the early days of winemaking at Hendry, he made an arrangement with the vineyard’s owner to tend the vines in exchange for the fruit. When the vineyard was sold, George was able to obtain budwood from the gnarled old vines, which he then grafted onto rootstock in Block 28, where we’ve grown it ever since. The character of the fruit remains distinct from our other Zinfandel and Primitivo cultivars. 

In 2021, bud break in Block 28 occurred April 7th. Bloom was May 24th. Harvest was on September 25th, with a yield of 2.93 tons per acre. Bloom-to-harvest period was 124 days. 

The alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately one week in closed fermentation tanks. The wine was then pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging was fifteen months in French oak barrels, approximately 65% - 75% of which are new each year. 

Deep ruby color. Big, blackberry jam aromatics jump out of the glass. Fruity on the front-palate, medium-heavy and balanced, drawing out to a firm finish of black tea tannins. This is a Zin for Zin-lovers! The bolder of our two Zinfandel offerings. Plenty of structure for burgers, braised lamb shanks, salumi, cheeses, and slow-roasted brisket. 

Cases: 1274
   

Turley Wine Cellars Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel — Paso Robles, California 2023

Turley Wine Cellars is the definitive address for old-vine Zinfandel in California. Founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and guided by winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, the estate farms organically across more than 50 vineyards statewide — many with vines dating to the late 1800s. The Dusi Vineyard in Paso Robles is one of Turley's most storied sources: a historic site that produces Zinfandel of uncommon depth, intensity, and character. Wine Spectator awarded the 2023 vintage 95 points; Vinous 92–94. At $59.99, it is one of the most compelling old-vine Zinfandels in California.

Deep and hedonistic in the glass. The nose opens with plum, black cherry, briar patch, spice, leather, tobacco, and incense — layered and complex from the first pour. On the palate, the wine is mid-weight but intensely flavored: ripe dark fruit, savory pepper, scorched earth, dried flowers, and mocha build toward polished, detailed tannins and a deep, resonant finish. Supple, juicy, and mouthwatering, with a mineral zip that keeps everything in balance. Drink now through 2037.

Wine Spectator 95 — "Loaded with compelling flavors of black cherry, briar patch and savory pepper that build detail and tension toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2037."

Vinous 92–94 — "Laced with plum, spice, leather, tobacco and incense... tons of fruit intensity and character. Scorched earth, dried flowers and mocha build into the deep, resonant finish."

• Producer: Turley Wine Cellars, Napa Valley, California
• Vineyard: Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: Zinfandel (old vines)
• Farming: Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, plum, briar, pepper, leather, tobacco, mocha, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2037
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, lamb chops, BBQ brisket, aged cheddar, wild boar ragù

A 95-point old-vine Zinfandel from California's most dedicated custodian of the variety — Turley Dusi is the benchmark for what Paso Robles Zinfandel can be.

Winemaker Description

Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator | Few Zinfandels show this much nuance and detail, yet there's an elegant power to this red, with cherry and raspberry flavors that mingle with orange peel and fresh sage. Ends with refined tannins.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is ripe with fresh berries, raspberry preserve, and baking spice. Its gushy fruit up front gives way to a note of raspberry seed and refreshing lift on the finish. Drink 2023-2032.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
"Jammy and generous, with bold aromatics, this red is a pleasure to drink, offering polished cherry and blackberry tart flavors accented by briar patch and licorice as this zips along the lively finish. Drink now through 2034."

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points (Elaine Chukan Brown)
"A Napa classic, the Black Chicken Zinfandel relies on vineyards in cooler parts of the region, here harvested from a cooler vintage as well. The combination delivers complexity, detail and plenty of flavor: juicy mixed berries and plum, citrus peel, incense and savory length complete with refreshing verve and well balanced structure."

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
"Offering brambly red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with peppery herbs, sandalwood, and savory, flowery incense, the 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken is medium-bodied, nicely balanced, has ripe tannins, and a good finish."

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Black Chicken is the 25th-anniversary release of this iconic Napa Valley wine — and one of the most celebrated vintages in the wine’s history. A remarkably cool and balanced growing season produced a wine of exceptional complexity, detail, and structure.

Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the wine offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity, and a structure defined by well-ripened, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, and sandalwood on the nose. Expansive on the palate with notes of blackberry, orange peel, plum, and baking spices, all driven to a long finish by balanced acidity.

The Black Chicken Story

It all started in the 1940s when 14-year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother make ends meet by selling to insider Napans — along with eggs and produce — some of the family’s homemade Zinfandel. Over the old “party line” phone system, the code words “a Black Chicken” signified a jug of bootleg wine, keeping nosy neighbors and the authorities from finding out about Aldo’s underground Zinfandel operation. Legally produced since 1999, Black Chicken Zinfandel pays homage to the industrious patriarch of the Biale family and the prominence of Zinfandel in the history of Napa Valley.

The heart of Black Chicken is sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District — among them the same family vineyard Aldo, Nonna, Bob, and the Biale family have farmed since the 1930s. Black Chicken stands as the quintessential expression of Zinfandel from the Napa Valley.

2023 Vintage Notes

The 2023 season was one of the coolest vintages in more than a decade. Several years of drought were erased in a single season as rains began just after the 2022 harvest and continued through spring 2023. Ample groundwater and cool temperatures delayed budbreak until April, with flowering in mid-May. Moderate temperatures through spring and summer allowed for balanced maturation — picking at the perfect intersection of flavor, sugar, acid, and tannin maturity. Harvesting began with earlier sites in September, with moderate heat in early October accelerating picking through the end of the month.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce. A quintessential Napa Zinfandel built for bold, flavorful food.

Product Details

• Producer: Robert Biale Vineyards
• Appellation: Oak Knoll District AVA, Napa Valley
• Grape: 100% Zinfandel
• Farming: Practicing sustainable, head-trained, dry-farmed vines
• Soils: Ancient marine sediments and rocky alluvial fan
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: Open-top fermenters, 2–4-day cold soak, 2–3 punch-downs daily
• Aging: 16 months in 100% Burgundy oak barrels (25% new)
• Vintage: 2023 (25th Anniversary Release)
• Production: 6,000 cases
• Drink: Now through 2034
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

This wine has a unique freshness brimming with bright red berry fruit and hints of dried fruit. It is flavorful, yet restrained for a California Zin, with black peppercorn spice and hints of chocolate and nuts.

Memo Summary Notes

The Neyers Zinfandel "Vista Notre" 2021 is a distinct departure from the "jammy" style often associated with California Zinfandel. It is crafted with a French-influenced sensibility—focused on restraint, acidity, and lower alcohol—making it a favorite for those who enjoy food-friendly red wines.

Pair with its high acidity makes it perfect for Pasta with Artichokes, grilled lamb chops with salsa verde, or a high-quality grilled cheese sandwich.

Winemaker Description 

Cherry, pomegranate, and floral notes of lavender and violets. Dried cranberry, black raspberry, cocoa, vanilla, and black pepper spice.

Intense, vibrant red fruit—black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate—mixed with darker flavors of currant, plum, and hints of chocolate and vanilla. Nice acidity, making the wine balanced and sweet, but not at all cloying—an ideal dessert wine.

Dashe Cellars has made Late Harvest Zinfandels since 1997, and this luscious and balanced dessert wine has always been a favorite. This particular Late Harvest Zinfandel is made from grapes grown on the Louvau Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. One of the reasons that we love this vineyard is the wonderful acidity of the grapes. The resulting wine is focused and clear—it’s never cloying, and always finishes with a crisp, clean, sweet-spicy note.

We create the conditions for making Late Harvest Zinfandel by allowing the grapes to hang on the vine approximately 3--4 weeks after they normally would be picked for a dry wine. These grapes were picked on October 30th on a beautiful Fall day, and the grapes arrived at the winery at 40° Brix of sugar. We crushed the grapes into a small 1,500-gallon tank and as is our tradition at Dashe Cellars, we fermented the grapes naturally, using the native yeasts that naturally live on the skins of the grapes. We let the grapes macerate to gain color and flavor, and then allowed the tank to warm. The fermentation took off quickly, and then naturally halted when the alcohol had reached about 15.5% and the sugar level was about 9%. We always allow the wine to achieve its balance of sweetness and alcohol naturally, by letting the fermentation finish on its own. The wine was aged in older French oak barrels so as to not overpower the intensity of the fruit. We bottled the wine as soon as possible to maintain its fresh fruit flavors and conserve its sweet concentration and purity. The wine is unfined and received minimal handling to the bottle.

Technical Description 

• Practicing Sustainable
• 100% Zinfandel
• Lily Hill Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley AVA)
• Originally planted in 1915, replanted in 2001
• 800 – 1,000 ft. elevation
• Harvested 3-4 weeks after normal picking for dry wines
• Crushed into stainless steel tanks
• Native yeast fermentation
• Aged in older French barrels
• R.S. 90 g/L or 9% by volume
• 381 cases produced
• 14.5% abv

Frog’s Leap has been making Zinfandel in Napa Valley for decades, and this 2021 is a masterclass in restraint and elegance — a world away from the overripe, high-alcohol style that defined California Zin for so long. Using their signature technique of cold-soaking the Petite Sirah portion of the co-ferment before infusing it into the fermenting Zinfandel ten days later, the winemaking team locks in freshness and accentuates the wine’s natural elegance. A dash of Carignane adds acidity and structure, while aging largely in small concrete tanks preserves the wine’s vibrancy. The result is deeply flavored, beautifully balanced, and genuinely fresh — equally compelling with a slight chill on a summer evening or after a few years in the cellar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Mouthwatering and delicious with crisp acidity and a driving finish, this wine offers a pleasing range of flavors including mixed cherries, cranberries, warming spices and savory accents. Both friendly and beguiling, it has pleasing approachability and depth. Firm while moderate tannins and mouthwatering acidity create a palate-cleansing accompaniment to a wide range of foods.” — 94 pts, Wine Enthusiast

“A medium-bodied, juicy and succulent zinfandel with aromas of dark cherries, plums, wild berries and mixed herbs. Well-rounded with a caressing texture and a satisfying wild berry character toward the finish.” — 90 pts, James Suckling

Varietal: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane
Vintage: 2021
Region: Napa Valley, California
Farming: Dry Farming 
Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Blending Petite Sirah into this Zinfandel gave it greater perfume, color and complexity in the glass. A glint of purple against a deep red hue hints at the luscious aromas of violets, raspberry and strawberry on the nose. A rich palate of briery fruit, brown spice and vanilla is framed by a subtle thread of white pepper and oak. The generous mid-palate showcases soft tannins and balanced acidity followed by a lingering, bold finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bonterra Organic Zinfandel 2022 is one of the most reliable organic wines in the United States. Produced by Bonterra Organic Estates (a B Corp certified winery in Mendocino County), this wine is a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, proving that "green" wine can be both high-quality and affordable.

Expert Review - Vintage 

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This wine is dense, complex, with aromas of black currant, black cherry, black plum, pink grapefruit, dried potpourri, cardamom on the nose. The palate is red plum, strawberry, pomegranate, mulled spice, mandarin orange, wafting into cracked black pepper, clove, bittersweet chocolate, and sweet cigar.

Winemaker Description 

Dark briary fruit of mulberry, white pepper, cigar box, ripe strawberry, grilled steak, spicey, cherry tobacco, sage, and plum lead to an extractive fleshy structure with firm tannin and a balanced long lingering finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Soft and supple, with appealing raspberry and cherry flavors highlighted by roasted sage and spice notes. Finishes with polished tannins. Drink now through 2032. 428 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

With experience making Zinfandel dating back to the 1990’s, Ehren Jordan is a true vigneron, with decades of experience in cellars and vineyards all over the world. His obsessive hands-on farming practices and minimalist hands-off winemaking approach come through in every bottle- allowing site, variety and vintage to shine through. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Day Zinfandel Sonoma County 2022 is the latest release from the "Day" project by Ehren Jordan, the legendary winemaker behind iconic labels like Turley, Failla, and Neyers. After decades of making high-octane Zinfandels at Turley, Jordan launched Day to focus on a more restrained, "vigneron" style that emphasizes acidity and elegance over sheer power.

The 2022 vintage is a blend of top-tier, organically farmed sites in the Dry Creek Valley, including the El Diablo, Grist, and Lumberyard vineyards.

Experience the Naughty Charm of Birichino Zinfandel

Discover Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines from the historic Gimelli Vineyard, a remarkable expression of California Zinfandel crafted from ancient vines. Birichino is renowned for producing distinctive, terroir-driven wines that showcase the unique character of California's heritage vineyards. This 2023 vintage captures the essence of old vine Zinfandel, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of California winemaking tradition combined with modern artisanal craftsmanship.

Expert Reviewed - Vintage 2023 

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This is a big fruit bomb of a Zinfandel from very old vines, offering intense strawberry-boysenberry syrup aromas alongside a touch of red flowers. The palate balances the boisterous red fruit flavors with a fresh acidity, a crushed rock minerality and a dusting of fennel pollen. Altogether, it uses old vines to showcase young flavors. 

Old Vine Heritage

The Gimelli Vineyard is home to old Zinfandel vines that have been producing exceptional fruit for decades. Old vines, typically 50+ years old, naturally produce lower yields of more concentrated, intensely flavored grapes. These ancient vines have deep root systems that access unique soil minerals and water sources, resulting in wines with greater complexity, depth, and character. The old vine designation represents a commitment to preserving California's viticultural heritage.

Gimelli Vineyard Terroir

The Gimelli Vineyard is a historic California vineyard known for producing exceptional Zinfandel. The unique terroir, including soil composition, microclimate, and vine age, contributes to the distinctive character of this wine. Single-vineyard wines like this offer a pure expression of place, showcasing the specific characteristics that make each vineyard unique.

Birichino Winemaking Philosophy

Birichino (Italian for "rascal" or "scamp") is dedicated to producing wines that are both playful and serious, combining traditional winemaking techniques with a modern sensibility. The winery focuses on working with heritage vineyards and lesser-known grape varieties, creating wines with personality, balance, and food-friendliness. Birichino's approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's character to shine through.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby to garnet color with vibrant clarity
Aroma: Ripe blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, dried herbs, black pepper, subtle spice, and hints of bramble
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with concentrated dark fruit flavors. Layers of blackberry, plum, and cherry complemented by notes of vanilla, baking spices, and earthy undertones. Balanced acidity with well-integrated tannins
Finish: Long, persistent finish with lingering fruit and spice notes

2023 Vintage Character

The 2023 vintage showcases the exceptional quality of the growing season, offering wine enthusiasts a fresh expression of old vine Zinfandel. This vintage captures the balance between ripe fruit character and the structure that defines great California Zinfandel.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This versatile Zinfandel pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled and barbecued meats (ribs, brisket, burgers)
• Italian cuisine (pasta with meat sauce, pizza, lasagna)
• Roasted lamb and game meats
• Spicy dishes (Mexican, Cajun, Indian)
• Aged cheddar and hard cheeses
• Charcuterie boards
• Hearty stews and braised dishes
• Smoked meats and sausages

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly below room temperature at 60-65°F (15-18°C) to appreciate the wine's complexity and balance. Decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving will allow the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic potential. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to enhance the tasting experience.

Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts

Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines Gimelli Vineyard is ideal for:

• Zinfandel lovers seeking authentic old vine character
• Wine enthusiasts exploring California heritage vineyards
• Dinner parties and casual gatherings
• Barbecues and outdoor entertaining
• Collectors of artisanal California wines
• Gift giving for wine aficionados

California Zinfandel Tradition

Zinfandel is California's heritage grape variety, with a winemaking tradition dating back to the Gold Rush era. Old vine Zinfandel represents the pinnacle of this tradition, offering wines with depth, complexity, and authentic California character. Birichino's commitment to working with historic vineyards like Gimelli ensures that this winemaking heritage continues for future generations.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

This wine represents the intersection of California's viticultural heritage and modern artisanal winemaking. From the ancient vines of Gimelli Vineyard to Birichino's careful, minimal-intervention approach, every aspect of this wine reflects a dedication to quality, authenticity, and terroir expression. The result is a Zinfandel with personality, balance, and the distinctive character that makes California wine special.

A Historical Vineyard

The Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines Gimelli Vineyard 2023 is sourced from a vineyard with rich history. Known for its well-maintained old vines, Gimelli has been producing top-quality grapes for years. These ancient vines not only add complexity to the wine but also contribute to its unique character. The vines thrive in a diverse ecosystem that allows the grapes to soak up various minerals from the soil, resulting in a rich flavor profile that wine enthusiasts find irresistible. When you indulge in this Zinfandel, you are tasting a piece of history that has been cherished over multiple generations.

Tasting Notes

This vintage of Birichino Zinfandel is truly a reflection of its terroir, embodying a delightful blend of flavors that make it a compelling choice for any occasion. The primary keyword, naughty, aptly describes its bold and vibrant fruit-forward persona. Expect to experience layers of ripe raspberry, cherry, and hints of spice on the palate. The balance of acidity and tannins gives it a smooth finish, making it enjoyable whether you are sipping it alone or pairing it with a nice meal. It's the kind of wine that brings a touch of playful indulgence to your evening.

Pairing the Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines with the right dishes can elevate your dining experience. Given its fruity profile and light spiciness, it's great with grilled meats, particularly barbecue ribs or burgers. The wine also complements spicy dishes, like Mexican or Caribbean cuisine. For a delightful contrast, consider pairing it with dark chocolate desserts that will enhance the naughty flavors in the Zinfandel. This versatility allows you to enjoy it in numerous settings, from casual gatherings to sophisticated dinners.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Quintessential aromas of ripe berries and plum are joined by vanilla and peppercorn in this textbook Zin grown on the most southerly estate vineyard in Paso Robles 14 miles from the Pacific. The result is a red of effusive energy and real charm that's fruit-forward enough to sip on its own yet has sufficient spice and structure to stand up to grilled meats.

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Snappy and briary, with user-friendly raspberry and green peppercorn flavors that end with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2030. 4,008 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Using grapes grown in Mendocino County’s rugged coastal mountains, Edmeades crafts bold, intense Zinfandels of distinctive character and personality. We work side by side with a small group of growers, who year after year produce some of Mendocino County’s most highly-prized grapes. We prefer a delicate touch in our cellar, allowing each vineyard to be fully expressed in the wines we make

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Our Zinfandel has a deep color and rich, spicy aromas of wild dark berries and plums, It is round, rich and bursting with flavor. The Petit Syrah and Tannat grapes add a delightful complexity to the final blend.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | Grapes for the 2021 Angeli Zinfandel are picked in three passes. Proprietor Scot Bilbro notes that Zinfandel's naturally varying levels of ripeness can lead to raisiny flavors if all the grapes are picked at a higher brix. "If you bring Zinfandel in over 25 brix, that means the juice inside is at 25, but the skins have a lot more sugar, and the level will go up to 28 or more," he explains. "So, we pick at 23, 24 and just shy of 25. You can enable the wine to show off layers with those different picks." This strategy led to a gorgeous Angeli in 2021 that is incredibly expressive and perfumed. Blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry give way to wafts of graphite, gobs of violet and even touches of tangerine. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated fruit and expansive layers of floral perfume and spice. It has a powdery frame, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, nuanced finish. 

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The dark purple 2021 Zinfandel Angeli is from the Angeli estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley and was raised for 15 months in neutral barrels. Concentrated and full-bodied, it reveals layered notes of dried apricot, espresso, blackberry compote, and licorice. The palate is brooding and savory, with a fleshy texture, an earthier profile, and notes of dark chocolate through the finish. A more potent and powerful style.

Winemaker Description 

Showing bright and clear scarlet while poured, the wine in the glass becomes edged with a deeper hue reminiscent of plum skin. With swirling layers of ripe cherry, blood peach, and marzipan this pure Zinfandel is immediately bright, inviting, and nuanced on the nose. Hints of violet, black tea, and spice ground the wine with a dark intensity. Velvety across the palate this exuberant wine finishes dry with a textured foremouth focus and a core of acidity cutting a cleansing path through the richness. This Zinfandel is a seductive, stately celebration of the Angeli vineyard which surrounds the winery.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Ken's Wine Guide | This slightly cloudy midnight purple colored Zinfandel from Once and Future opens with a blackberry and red licorice bouquet with hints of red plum, black cherry, dried sage, and violets. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and smooth. The flavor profile is blackberry, stone dust, and cinnamon blend with notes of boysenberry, black plum and nutmeg. We also detected hints of black tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins are very nicely sustained. The Tasting Panel would then pair this Zin with a nice New York strip steak along with a dark chocolate mousse. Enjoy – 

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is another wine in this range that is pretty closed today. It has plenty of energy, but the mid-palate is not quite as developed as it is in most vintages. Bottled on the early side, this feels a bit like it’s not fully developed. 

Winemaker Description

We create the conditions for making Late Harvest Zinfandel by allowing the grapes to hang on the vine approximately 3--4 weeks after they normally would be picked for a dry wine. These grapes were picked on October 30th on a beautiful Fall day, and the grapes arrived at the winery at 40° Brix of sugar. We crushed the grapes into a small 1,500-gallon tank and as is our tradition at Dashe Cellars, we fermented the grapes naturally, using the native yeasts that naturally live on the skins of the grapes. We let the grapes macerate to gain color and flavor, and then allowed the tank to warm.

The fermentation took off quickly, and then naturally halted when the alcohol had reached about 15.5% and the sugar level was about 9%. We always allow the wine to achieve its balance of sweetness and alcohol naturally, by letting the fermentation finish on its own.

The wine was aged in older French oak barrels so as to not overpower the intensity of the fruit. We bottled the wine as soon as possible to maintain its fresh fruit flavors and conserve its sweet concentration and purity. The wine is unfined and received minimal handling to the bottle.

Expert Review - Vintage 2017 

93 Points Wine Spectator | A wine that suggests a sense of place, this is refined and just a hint rustic, which adds to the authenticity. Notes of cherry and pomegranate are laced with hints of white pepper and bay leaf. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Located at 1000 to 1200 ft., the vineyard overlooks upper Chiles Canyon and remnant walls of the grist wills built by pioneer J.B. Chiles. Brooding dark purple plum raspberry flavors dotted with sage and black peppercorns.