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About Zinfandel Red Wine

About Zinfandel Red Wine
Zinfandel first came to American shores by way of the Schonbrunn collection which contained all the wine varietals grown in the Austrian empire. The earliest mention of Zinfandel, by name, in America was a vine nursery in Long Island in the 1820s. It made its way to California in the gold rush and thrived because of its hearty constitution and vigorous yields. Many a prospector had a little vineyard of Zinfandel and washed away their sorrows in their purple cups.

Top Picks for Zinfandel

Monte De Oro 2017 Estate Grown Zinfandel
94 points
$40
Monte De Oro
2017 Estate Grown Zinfandel
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of strawberries, blackberry, peach jam, violets, and fresh thyme with a supple, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of fresh oregano, black pepper, raspberry jam, and cedar with fine, well-integrated, firm tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A precisely balanced Zinfandel; each sip leaves you wanting more.
94 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Oak Farm Vineyards 2019 Hohenrieder Single Vineyard Zinfandel
94 points
$35
Oak Farm Vineyards
2019 Hohenrieder Single Vineyard Zinfandel
Deep purple color. Herbal aromas and flavors of crushed blackberries, eucalyptus, black tea with honey, sweet anise, and sage with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, intriguing, medium-long finish evoking suggestions of hints of ripe peach with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. An herbaceous, fruity and generous Zinfandel that keeps on giving.
94 points $35
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Date Tasted:
Jacob Franklin 2019 Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel
93 points
$52
Jacob Franklin
2019 Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel
Medium violet color. Aromas and flavors of blueberry juice, fresh strawberries, black cherries, violets, cherry blossom, vanilla cake, and raspberry liqueur with a silky, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, complex, long finish manifesting notes of blackberry tea, mixed peppercorns, allspice liqueur, ramps, and strawberry gummies with fine, chewy, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A classic bright and crisp Zinfandel..
93 points $52
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Date Tasted:
Sobon Estate 2018 ReZerve® Zin Zinfandel
93 points
$24
Sobon Estate
2018 ReZerve® Zin Zinfandel
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry confection, ripe fragrant plum, spiced pomegranate, and cigar wrapper with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, intricate, long finish with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A fabulously silky Zinfandel that delivers refined elegance in a flashy fruity package.
93 points $24
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Date Tasted:
Frey 2019 Biodynamic Zinfandel
92 points
$20
Best Buy
Frey
2019 Biodynamic Zinfandel
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of fruit and nut press, dried strawberries, roasted almonds, and peach yogurt with a lightly tannic, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, very long finish that shows notes of chocolate ganache, nutella, sarsaparilla, strawberry preserves, and hints of soy with well-integrated tannins and heavy oak flavor. A delicious, chocolate-centric Zinfandel with port-like dried fruits and precise balance.
92 points $20 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Opolo Vineyards 2019 Mountain Zinfandel
92 points
$30
Opolo Vineyards
2019 Mountain Zinfandel
Dark ruby black color. Aromas of grilled black plum, leather, cumin braised carnitas, fresh green olive, and root beer with a supple, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, engaging, long blackberry, black olive, fresh vanilla bean, black peppercorn, and dried strawberry finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A somewhat brooding, savory Zinfandel bursting with concentrated dark fruits and savory flavors.
92 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Maroon Wines 2015 Reserve Zinfandel
92 points
$60
Maroon Wines
2015 Reserve Zinfandel
Dusty garnet color. Complex aromas and flavors of cinnamon, dried rose, espresso bean, dark chocolate, and hints of spearmint with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium body and a peppery, interesting, medium-long finish that presents suggestions of red peppercorns, hints of coconut cream, almonds, candied fennel seed, and dried herbs with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A distinctive Zinfandel with just-baked fruit character.
92 points $60
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Date Tasted:
Sobon Estate 2018 Lubenko Vineyard Zinfandel
92 points
$22
Sobon Estate
2018 Lubenko Vineyard Zinfandel
Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas of raspberry compote, pomegranate, cinnamon spiced black tea, and portobella mushrooms with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, stimulating, medium-long licorice and spice drops finish with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A spicy, zesty Zinfandel that with be a delightful pairing with cheese.
92 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Oak Farm Vineyards 2018 Zinfandel
92 points
$24
Oak Farm Vineyards
2018 Zinfandel
Bright black ruby color. Oaky aromas and flavors of toasted marshmallow, caramel latte, candied bacon, milk chocolate, and berry muffins with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a distinctive, medium-long finish with heavy oak flavor. A rich, oak-centric, voluptuous Zinfandel.
92 points $24
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Date Tasted:
Sobon Estate 2018 Pauls Zinfandel
92 points
$24
Sobon Estate
2018 Paul's Zinfandel
Deep purple color. Fruity, inviting aromas and flavors of raspberry tartlet, strawberry-rhubarb pie, cassis preserves, fine cigars, and hints of anise with a round, vibrant, fruity full body and a warming, engaging, medium-long finish displaying overtones of hazelnut creme with moderate oak flavor. A welcoming Zinfandel that’s at once wild and refined.
92 points $24
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Date Tasted: