Looking for something to add to your cellar?
Here are a few of my personal favorites...
Ravenswood
One of the true leaders in the Zin category, Joel Peterson makes big, opulent Zins. From the Vintner’s blend, which we pour by the glass, to his 8 or 9 single vineyard designations, they are all winners. Prices will range from $12 to the high end for his single vineyard wines.
Cline
Located at the south entrance to Sonoma, this winery has come on in a hurry! Their lower end Zin is a great value, and their ¨Ancient Vines”, is also worth searching for. Great value for the money and reasonably priced.
Kunde
Another Sonoma producer, their “Century Vine” has been a favorite for years. It'’s reasonably priced, and should be readily available.
St. Francis
Probably best known for their superior Merlot, don't count them short when it comes to Zin either. The 1998 is tasting wonderful already, in a vintage which experts feel has its shortcomings when it comes to Zin. Moderate price and good availability.
DeLoach
From Russian River, they’ve put themselves on the map with their Single Vineyard Zins over the past 10 years. Their lower end Zin is consistently a great value. Availability should be good, but harder to find the Single Vineyards.
Rabbit Ridge
Another Russian River Winery, they cover the full range from a great inexpensive Sonoma Coast Zin, to the OVZ which is a really great
bottle. Very available, and good value.
Martinelli
Made by the very successful Helen Turley, it’s hard to find, but worth the search. This bottle will give you a great indication of what can be done with this grape. Expensive and hard to come by.
Turley
This winery owned by Helen Turley’s ex-husband, produces one of the finest Zins I’ve tasted. Unfortunately, you’ll have to search high and low to find it. If you’re lucky enough to see it on a restaurant list ...go for it!
El Molino
As with Turley, this one’s a Napa Valley entrie and also, very hard to find. I recently had a bottle at Grammercy Tavern in New York. Too bad all the great restaurants get the majority of this product. You can come upon a bottle when visiting the wine country though, if you search it out. As with theTurley, we’re working on adding it to our list.
Biale
From the hands of Aldo, comes the true “Best of the Best”! It'’s my favorite, and you can even find it on our list. Several single vineyard designates are there as well. I recently, drank a magnum of the 1996 Old Crane, and it was stellar! Moderately expensive, but worth every penny.
Chin Chin....!
