DeRose Zinfandel
The DeRose vineyards are situated in the little-known Ciniega Valley, part of California’s Central Coast wine appellation and directly on the San Andreas fault. This creates a split geologic profile, where the soil from one side contains limestone and the other sandstone. This zin is sourced from vineyards with both characteristics and vines well over a century old. Old vines tend to produce less fruit, so more of the good stuff goes into each grape.
The wine is brimming over with big berry-cherry jamminess, but give it a few moments and it displays some underlying vanilla and black pepper. It is on the medium-body side of the zin spectrum, which still makes it heavy by many other grapes’ standards. An ideal accompaniment to the heartiest Italian fair. $22.99
Peirano Estates 'The Immortal Zin'
Peirano Estates has been farming vines in the Lodi appellation of northern California since the end of the 1800s. Italian immigrants brought Zinfandel vines with them in the hopes of striking it rich during the Gold Rush.
This Zinfandel is estate grown and made from 113 year old vines. The wine offers dark cherry aromas with mineral and earthy undertones. The palate is a velvety mixture of sweet red cherry, cocoa, and strawberry, with a hint of toast. $13.99
Scholium Project 'The Gardens of Babylon"
''The wine is not the tannic monster that is has been in the past. It is much more subtle, elegant, and fresh. In some ways, it is most marked by the Cinsault-- the smallest component in the blend. You might even say that the wine is "lovely" and mean something wholly good.'' Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Carignon, Syrah $34.99
Seghesio Zinfandel - Sonoma County, 2010
Seghesio Family Vineyards’ roots are firmly planted in Zinfandel. Seghesio's founder, Edoardo Seghesio, first planted this historic variety on their Alexander Valley Home Ranch in 1895. This Zinfandel harmoniously blends grapes from Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley sites. "Bold aromas of briary wild berry and cracked pepper lead to plush and layered black raspberry, toasty sage and espresso flavors that finish with zesty tannins". Try it with pizza, Chinese stir-fry or rack of lamb!
The 2010 vintage was awarded 93 points by the Wine Enthusiast
$24.99
Gaga 'Rouge'
Sorry, this is not Lady Gaga's wine label. Rather, it's a fun and value-driven California red that delivers sensuous aromas of black plums, fall spices, and dried black figs. The fig theme carries on the palate along with a stewed red fruit flavor, which hails from an abundance of Zinfandel. This is a great option when all you want to do is stay indoors and watch the leaves blow around. $12.99
