Zinfandel

Zinfandel is grown by over 200 producers, and now accounts for over 23% of the total vineyard territory. Its quality and character largely depend on the place of cultivation, the age of the vineyard, and the winemaking technology. Zinfandel became so popular that in 1991 the association of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) was founded with the objective to promote the varietal and wine, and support scientific research on Zinfandel - particularly its origin.
More information on Zinfandel
Food Pairing: Pairs well with barbecue foods like chili, burgers and fried chicken -heavy on the spice and flavor. Zinfandel can hold its own out of a plastic glass on a picnic table or served in crystal with an elegant Chateaubriand.
365 California Zinfandel
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Watkins Family Winery 3 reviews
2006 Zinfandel/Petite Sirah
Taylor Mountain Vineyard & Elder Vineyard

Taylor Mountain Vineyard is nestled just below the saddle-shaped peak of Taylor Mountain, as depicted on the front label painting by well-known Sonoma Valley artist Michael Holland. When John Shakleford Taylor settled in Sonoma Valley in 1853, his land holdings were the largest under one name in all of Sonoma County. On his most prized land he planted Zinfandel and Mission grapes. The Watkins Family has farmed Zinfandel on this breathtaking property since 1979, and we have found that the dark fruit and spicy flavors of Petite Sirah blend perfectly with the boysenberry jam and pepper components of Zinfandel. Elder Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is carefully tended by Vineyard Micromanagement.



These low-yielding Zinfandel and Petite Sirah vines produce a concentrated and complex wine that is a great example of hillside-grown Zinfandel. The wine has humongous fruit yet perfectly balanced acidity and alcohol. It pairs well with spicier, saltier dishes such as paella with peppered chicken and spicy sausage or baby back ribs.		$28.00

Everett Ridge Winery Rate this wine
2006 Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
Dry Creek Valley - Sonoma

Zinfandel lovers will enjoy the ripe, briary flavors, and the delicious cherry and blackberry fruit that is so abundant here. There is a terrific spicy hint of cinnamon, too. This is going to be a favorite among our wine club members.

371 cases bottled.		$35.00

371 cases produced
Everett Ridge Winery Rate this wine
2007 Diablita Zin-A Zinfandel
Sonoma County

2007 Diablita zin-a

We have created the Diablita Zin-a, a combination of Zinfandel grapes from Sonoma County's Dry Creek and Russian River Valley appellations. The Diablita Zin-a makes for a deliciously memorable, but unpretentious, experience.

Our Diablita would accept no less.

www.DiablitaWines.com		$16.00

Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery Rate this wine
2006 Zinfandel
Sierra Foothills

Garnet in color, fruit aromas include ripe red raspberries and black cherries are accented by clove spice. The palate is fruit forward with smooth tannin and long finish. Complements summer barbecues to winter roasts and is also great wine for pizza night.		$21.00

530 cases produced
Lucchesi Vineyards and Winery Rate this wine
2006 Zinfandel
Sierra Foothills

Garnet in color, fruit aromas include ripe red raspberries and black cherries are accented by clove spice. The palate is fruit forward with smooth tannin and long finish. Complements summer barbecues to winter roasts and is also great wine for pizza night.		$21.00

530 cases produced
Guglielmo Winery Rate this wine
2006 Private Reserve Zinfandel
Santa Clara Valley

Produced from Estate Grown Zinfandel from our Santa Clara Valley vineyards. These vineyards - first planted by our grandfather over 70 years ago - continue to produce an extremely deep-fruited Zinfandel. After fermentation and initial racking the wine went straight to small 60-gallon French & American oak barrels for approximately fifteen months before bottling. This 2006 vintage yielded 789 cases.

WINEMAKERS NOTES:
In the glass this wine shows an enticing assemblage of ripe fruit and spice aromas. Strawberries and black cherries flirt with clove and anise - all within a subtle framework of oak. The black cherry fruit and baking spices are well represented on the palate—evolving from clove to nutmeg to vanilla and oak. Displaying an exceptional balance of fruit, spice, oak, and tannin, this wine is excellent with lamb, steak, spicy pasta dishes, well aged cheeses—and with the summer grilling season upon us it is perfect for accompaniment for barbequed meats.

Vintage: 2006
Appellation: Estate Bottled - Santa Clara Valley
Varietal Composition 100% Zinfandel
Alcohol: 15.0%
Release Date: July 2008		$18.00

789 cases produced
Givich Vineyards Rate this wine
2005 Zinfandel, El Dorado County
SP3 vineyard

Soft, spicy, fruity wines with a long smooth flavor profile. Excellent example of hillside fruit and the El Dorado appelation.		$20.00

123 cases produced
Deux Amis Winery Rate this wine
2004 Halling Vineyard Zinfandel
Halling Vineyard

"Wow" best describes our '04 Halling Vineyard Zinfandel. Enticing aromas of ripe mixed berries and sweet vanillin oak blend with a dusting of fine-quality black pepper. Delicious layers meld to create a luscious wave of flavors - rich blackberry, raspberry and blueberry, creamy coffee and vanilla, with subtle yet spicy black pepper lacing through the background. From the ideal balance of softening tannins, toasty oak and lush fruit emerges an irrestible wine. Drink now, or if you have the will power cellar it for two to five years to allow the flavors to continue to develop.		167 cases produced
Deux Amis Winery Rate this wine
2005 Halling Vineyard Zinfandel
Halling Vineyard

Seductive blackberry and black pepper aromas entice you to taste our '05 Halling Vineyard Zinfandel. The smooth, rich flavors form layers of blackberry, plum and black raspberry amidst hints of white pepper, blueberry, dark cocoa, and anise. This well-balanced Zin with its well-integrated tannins and oak creates a delicious taste experience.		147 cases produced
Deux Amis Winery Rate this wine
2005 Shadick Vineyard Zinfandel
Shadick Vineyard

Luscious layers of blackberry, mocha and spicy black pepper flavors with a hint of floral notes fill your palate. The flavors spread across you palate with blackberry and cocoa taking a lead into the satisfying finish. Drinkable now with potential for further charms with some cellar aging.





The Shadick Vineyard is located in the rolling hills of Northern Dry Creek Valley. Though the majority of the fruit went towards our Sonoma County blend a small amount was kept separate to produce this vineyard designated wine. Enjoy now or cellar for a few years.		163 cases produced
Deux Amis Winery Rate this wine
2006 Deux Amis Zinfandel
Sonoma County

The Marriage of fruit from Dry Creek and Alexander Valley produces a full-bodied Zin that embodies the best of both premier growing regions. Ripe plum, cherry, and black raspberry aromas fuse with a touch of black petter and smoky oak. Lush dark cherry, plum and mixed berry layer over coffee and dark chocolate flavors with a sprinkling of white pepper.		1255 cases produced
Stephen & Walker Winery Rate this wine
2005 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

This Zinfandel grows on the hills above the valley floor on West Dry Creek Road in Dry Creek Valley just west of Healdsburg. The wine is very concentrated and has dense fruit flavors complemented by smoky oak aromas and flavors. The wine was aged in small French and American oak barrels for 15 months prior to bottling.		$36.00

650 cases produced
Peirano Estate Vineyards Rate this wine
1999 Old Vine Zinfandel
Lodi

$48.00

Milat Vineyards Rate this wine
2005 Zinfandel
St. Helena

A blend of the spicier Italian style, with the full bodied richness of the California -style. Rich, dark berry aromas joined with spicy clove, and cinnamon. Great with lasagna or ribs.		$23.00

298 cases produced
Rustridge Winery Rate this wine
2004 Zinfandel
Napa Valley

The 2004 Estate Zinfandel greets you with aromatics of classic briar fruit and an intriguing touch of strawberry leading to vibrant flavors of red fruit. The mouth feel is elegant and satiny smooth with a long and silky finish. This is a classic claret-style Zinfandel.		$30.00

405 cases produced
Rustridge Winery Rate this wine
2003 Zinfandel
Napa Valley

The 2003 Estate Zinfandel embodies the definition of Zinfandel aromatics and flavors crafted in the classic claret style. Upon the initial pour, the eye is greeted with a deep garnet color and the nose with cocoa powder and bright raspberry. This medium bodied Zinfandel has an amazing framework of acidity, dusty tannins and a long, dry finish. As the wine begins to open, the tannins become silkier and the viscosity of the wine increases, eventually morphing into raspberry and cherry jam hedonism - all supported by the lively acidity. With the breathing of the wine comes spice as well, with fresh crushed black pepper on the nose that persists through the mid palate and finish. All the while, the initial cocoa continues to flirt in and out of the aromatics. This is truly a unique marriage of the bold and the elegant.		$50.00

523 cases produced
Yoakim Bridge Winery Rate this wine
2005 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

Our old vines are “dry farmed”, meaning they receive no irrigation, and yet, because the vineyard is located on the rich soil of the Valley floor, they are extremely prolific. To keep flavors intense we choose to drop fruit three times during the growing season, and it paid off. The remaining fruit proved to be excellent. David is very pleased with the rich, dark raspberry scented vintage. The alcohol is a bit higher than our former wines at 15%, which adds a bit of black pepper and a tremendous mouth feel and finish. We are proudly releasing it to our wine club, urging them to drink two and lay two down, as it will age beautifully.		$36.00

Yoakim Bridge Winery Rate this wine
2004 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

This vintage is unique in that it is the ONLY time David has had to deal with a “stuck” fermentation. This resulted in an additional three weeks of work to restart the process. Virginia teases him about his hair turning from gray to white during that time! David’s stubbornness and “sticking to it” paid off in spades. The alcohol was held at a respectable 14.6% with a Ph of 3.61. Blended with 2% Petite Syrah and 8% Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon it exhibits Zinfandel at it’s best. Intensely rich, loaded with deep layers of black berry fruit. We find it Fantastic with food.		$34.00

Yoakim Bridge Winery Rate this wine
2003 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

We refer to this particular vintage as our “miracle” wine. Late season rains with its threat of mildew kept David busy monitoring the fruit for an optimal harvest. On September 28 the sugars began to spike due to an enormous heat wave. We have no employees, and everyone in the valley scrambled at once to get their fruit picked. We succeeded in finding pickers, but were unable to find any help for David. The temperature on the pad was a scorching 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Sixteen tons of fruit sat lined up in half ton picking bins waiting to be manually pitched into the crushed/destemer. David picked up his pitchfork, and began. Sixteen grueling hours later he finished. The back label is my tribute to the passion and determination of this incredible winemaker. The wine speaks for itself. Savor it!		$34.00

Ottimino Winery Rate this wine
2002 Zinfandel
Von Weidlich Vineyard

The distinct character of Von Weidlich Zinfandel comes through in aromas dense with blackberry, ripe plum and spicy raspberry, overlain with clove and toasty oak. The lush entry displays fruit to match, giving way to an expansive, tongue coating mid-palate and layers of spiced berry and cherry. The wine’s finish reverberates with pure Zinfandel character. This hearty wine complements all manner of roasted meats, and its inherent balance will equally enhance more rustic or adventurous meals.		$75.00

526 cases produced
Ottimino Winery Rate this wine
2003 Zinfandel
Rancho Bello Vineyar

Blackberry and black cherry dominate the aromas, with white pepper and oak chiming in. The flavors add hints of blueberry, raspberry and cassis. Bold fruit at entry leads to a broad middle, and the finish is firm and persistent. This Zinfandel was designed for its versatility with food, and its heartiness should lead you to a broad spectrum of exotic pairings.		$50.00

712 cases produced
Ottimino Winery Rate this wine
2004 Zinfandel
Ottimino Vineyard

Ripe blackberry and autumn bramble aromas are dusted with notes of licorice, caramel and coffee. The palate features blackberries and boysenberry syrup with a light overlay of vanilla. A broad middle leads to a wine with tremendous body, round tannins and persistent finish. This Zinfandel perfectly fits our model for versatility with food, and should be extravagantly paired!		$38.00

460 cases produced
Ottimino Winery Rate this wine
2004 Zinfandel
Rancho Bello Vineyard

Ripe blackberry, mocha and cherry cordial dominate the aromas, accented with allspice and toasty oak. The flavors add hints of fresh blueberry, coffee and vanilla. The tannins are chewy and the entry leads to a broad middle, and a firm and persistent finish. This Zinfandel was designed for its versatility with food, and its heartiness should lead you to a broad spectrum of exotic pairings		$34.00

880 cases produced
Ottimino Winery Rate this wine
2003 Zinfandel
Russian River Valley

Classic Von Weidlich Zinfandel aromas of blackberry syrup, red plum and white pepper dominate the fragrant nose, intermingled with scents of toasty oak and a berry potpourri. The lush entry mirrors the aromas, and leads to an expansive, tongue coating mid-palate of spiced berry and cherry. The wine’s finish reverberates with pure Zinfandel character. This Zinfandel well complements roasted meats and spicy dishes, and its balance and density welcome more rustic and adventurous fare.		$38.00

601 cases produced
Mutt Lynch Winery Rate this wine
2005 Canis Major Zinfandel
Perotti Vineyard

This wine received a GOLD MEDAL at our Sonoma County Harvest Fair, our “Oscars”. Barrel aged in 100% French oak, with classic jammy ripe berry fruit, it’s a great gift for Zin-fanatics.		$24.00

Mutt Lynch Winery Rate this wine
2005 Portrait of a Mutt Zinfandel
Sonoma County

The wine that “made” Mutt Lynch Winery and 2005 is one of our best yet, winning a GOLD MEDAL at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Portrait of a Mutt is the perfect name for our Zinfandel, as it blends a small amount of spiciy Carignane fruit into our jammy Zinfandel. As the label says, “Just because I’m not pedigreed doesn’t mean I’m not a good dog!”		$17.00

VJB Vineyards & Cellars Rate this wine
2003 El Dorado Zinfandel
El Dorado County

This wine exhibits plum, black cherry, raspberry and black pepper in the nose and palate coating blackberry and blueberry flavors with a hint of anise. The tannins are lending to a finish with great depth and concentration of flavors.		275 cases produced
VJB Vineyards & Cellars Rate this wine
2003 El Dorado Zinfandel
El Dorado County

This wine exhibits plum, black cherry, raspberry and black pepper in the nose and palate coating blackberry and blueberry flavors with a hint of anise. The tannins are lending to a finish with great depth and concentration of flavors.		275 cases produced
Benovia Winery Rate this wine
Zinfandel

This dynamic and powerhouse Zinfandel comes from the Cohn Vineyard planted in 1975. The vines are planted on a steep and rocky slope with gnarled, old, dry-farmed vines that produce small and compact clusters with incredible fruit intensity and bright acidity. Lively aromas of vine-ripened blackberries are followed by Provencal herbs and fresh-cracked white pepper.
Sunce Winery Rate this wine
2004 Old Vines Zinfandel
Baker Vineyard, Russian River Valley

A breakneck pace of futures sale on this wine limited our inventory of this classic Russian River Zin. It then quickly sold out in our tasting room - the little that remains is pre-allocated to wine club members. A finished, elegant Zin, should continue to age through 2010.
Sunce Winery Rate this wine
2005 Old Vines Zinfandel
Pena Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

Concentrated fruit with a white pepper finish makes this wine a classic representative of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. One of the most popular wines in our tasting room for early 2007, expect to age at least six years.		$28.00

Amphora Wines Rate this wine
2005 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley, Mounts Vineyard

This 2005 Zinfandel was hand-harvested from 35-40 year old head-pruned vines from Mounts Vineyard on the west side of Dry Creek Valley. This deep ruby-red wine offers mouth-filling aromas of spice, ripe raspberry and plums. Mouth-filling flavors of red currant laced with cinnamon and plum are complemented by a hint of black pepper. French and American oak flavors round out this well-balanced wine. It is an excellent match for lamb kabobs, beef stew, or even a flourless chocolate cake.		$27.00

Mauritson Vineyards Rate this wine
2006 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

Our Dry Creek Zinfandel is the greatest beneficiary of the little known appellation overlap between Rockple and Dry Creek AVAs — nearly 50% of the fruit that comprises it comes from our Rockpile vineyards. 2006 was a very long and cool growing season in Northern Sonoma County. The Zinfandels benefited from unusually long hang time, developing complex flavors with an unmistakable elegance. Vibrant aromas belie the silky tannin and soft rich mouth feel of this wine. Bright acidity was another advantage of the cool temperatures, giving the wine phenomenal balance. While not as overtly tannic as previous vintages, the grace that the 2006 Dry Creek Zinfandel exhibits will leave you cursing global warming and craving long, cool summers.		$27.00

2157 cases produced
Nalle Winery Rate this wine
2006 Zinfandel

The best doggone combo of fruit, oak and acidity you'll encounter in a Zinfandel. Its brightness and depth are pure Dry Creek fruit character. Well balanced and approachable now, it will improve for at least eight years from vintage.		$32.00

995 cases produced
Martinelli Winery Rate this wine
"Vigneto di Evo" Zinfandel
Russian River Valley

We are fortunate to be able to include these old vines in making wine from one of Sonoma County's oldest Zinfandel vineyards. The “Vigneto di Evo” site lies directly below Jackass Hill, the grandfather of all Zin.
Martinelli Winery Rate this wine
2005 "Giuseppe & Luisa" Zinfandel
Russian River Valley

The grapes, juice, and then wine are minimally handled. This wine is neither heat nor cold stabilized and is unfined and unfiltered.
Martinelli Winery Rate this wine
2005 Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel
Russian River Valley

The grapes tend to ripen unevenly, as typical of this mysterious varietal, and two or three separate harvests are usually the norm. The grapes are picked ripe, about 26 degrees brix, into small wooden boxes that Giuseppe Martinelli had made by hand a century ago. The ripeness at harvest allows the wine to wave its true Zinfandel character in flavor and color.
Martinelli Winery Rate this wine
2006 Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel
Russian River Valley

Jackass Vineyard was planted in the late 1800’s in the splendid Russian River Valley. This eight acre vineyard thrives on a steep rolling hillside which surrounds the west side of the Jackass Hill Vineyard. The old head pruned vines are farmed much the same way as they were a century ago; without the use of trellising, irrigation, or pesticides. The vines produce a large crop load for being 100 years old, about three tons per acre, and the fruit is thinned to insure more concentrated flavor in the berries.
Martinelli Winery Rate this wine
2004 Jackass Hill Zinfandel
Russian River Valley

Once picked, the grape bunches are de-stemmed and the whole berries undergo a long cool fermentation to generate skin contact and enhance fruit character. The juice is fermented with indigenous yeast. The wine is then gravity fed into small oak barrels with a touch of residual sugar remaining to complete the fermentation process in barrel until dry. The grapes are 100% barrel fermented with wild yeast, resting in 75% new French oak on its gross lees for 10 months.
Martinelli Winery Rate this wine
2005 Jackass Hill Zinfandel
Russian River Valley

Once picked, the grape bunches are de-stemmed and the whole berries undergo a long cool fermentation to generate skin contact and enhance fruit character. The juice is fermented with indigenous yeast. The wine is then gravity fed into small oak barrels with a touch of residual sugar remaining to complete the fermentation process in barrel until dry. The grapes are 100% barrel fermented with wild yeast, resting in 75% new French oak on its gross lees for 10 months.
Lago Di Merlo Vineyards & Winery Rate this wine
2002 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

Strong up front fruit palate with typical Dry Creek Valley raspberry undertones and mild spice from the French oak used for aging.		$26.00

Selby Winery Rate this wine
2006 Selby “Old Vines” Zinfandel
Sonoma County

Our Zinfandel is made from vines that have been in production for at least 40 years - and that means low production, exceptional concentration and amazing depth. It’s powerful, jammy, spicy, toasty and thoroughly delicious. Zinfandel can be paired with spicy pasta, or a variety of meat dishes.		$28.00

800 cases produced
Selby Winery Rate this wine
2006 Selby "Bobcat" Zinfandel
Sonoma County

This is the most famous and popular of the wines made by Selby. Rich and bold dark cherry fruit with hints of pepper, anise and nutmeg.		$34.00

237 cases produced
Collier Falls Vineyards Rate this wine
2002 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

“This wine shows off a bouquet of raspberry, rose petal and spicy cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is silky with vanilla notes and hints of tobacco and cocoa. It's deep red color signals the fruit's intensity. An elegant wine now, or to savor over the next six years! ” — Cécile Lemerle—Derbes, Winemaker		$72.00

Collier Falls Vineyards Rate this wine
2004 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

This estate grown Zinfandel has a deep brick red color with aromas of strawberry and cherries on the nose. Aged in French and American oak, this wine shows hints of spice on the palate and finishes with a touch of toasty vanilla from the new oak barrels. Drink now and enjoy for the next six to eight years. Aged 15 months in 37% New French and American oak (half French, half American).		$30.00

1100 cases produced
Collier Falls Vineyards Rate this wine
2003 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

This wine shows off a deep, intense red color. The bouquet reflects hints of rose petals and violets with fruit notes of cherry and raspberries. On the palate, the mouth feel is full, highlighted by silky vanilla and butterscotch flavors. This is an elegant zinfandel with a moderately long cellar life. Drink now through 2012. Cecile Lemerle-Derbes, Winemaker		$30.00

1500 cases produced
Collier Falls Vineyards Rate this wine
2005 Primitivo
Dry Creek Valley

This inaugural Collier Falls Primitivo has an intense dark red color with aromas of red currant and blackberry on the nose. Black pepper and clove spice coupled with soft tannins give the wine an elegant finish. Aging in French and American oak barrels (33% new American oak) gives this wine a hint of toasty oak. Lovely now and will cellar for 5- 10 years.		$32.00

300 cases produced
Lytton Springs Rate this wine
2005 Lytton Springs Zinfandel

This elegant, full-bodied wine, with its firm tannins and intense, complex fruit, is among the finest of recent vintages. Enjoyable now, it will develop further over the next ten years.		$35.00

Unti Vineyards & Winery Rate this wine
2005 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

During this Zin’s life in barrel my tasting notes have been consistent: big, dark, juicy, fruity and spicy. The ideal growing conditions in 2005 allowed us to make a full-bodied Zinfandel that is balanced with a long finish. Like any great Zinfandel vintage this 2005 will show very well within 2 to 4 years from the vintage. Sure wish it was this easy to make this kind of Zinfandel every year.		1345 cases produced
Unti Vineyards & Winery Rate this wine
2006 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

The ideal growing conditions in 2006 allowed us to make a full-bodied Zinfandel that is balanced with a long finish. It is the richest Zin we’ve ever made. Like any great Zinfandel vintage, this 2006 will show very well within 2 to 4 years from the vintage. Sure wish it was this easy to make this kind of Zinfandel every year.		1710 cases produced
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