Top Picks for Zinfandel

Garnet black color. Jammy, inviting aromas and flavors of toasty, frosted raspberry strudel and peach cobbler a la mode with a round, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, long finish revealing overtones of chocolate craisins and orange peels and boysenberry tart with chewy, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A wonderfully chewy and rich, full-throttled zinfandel with great acidity and tannins to balance the vibrant pie-like fruit; a textbook example of old school California 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.

Awards: 2021 Best 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.

Ruby black color. Aromas of blackberry, lavender, flan, and vanilla bean with a chewy, lively, dry full body and a warming, appealing, long blueberry pie, cedar, dried black cherry, and bergamot finish with woody, firm tannins and heavy oak flavor. A focused California blend that highlights oak and tart dark fruit; will pair perfectly with pepper crusted steaks.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 5 Red Wine $10 and Under' Exceptional Value

Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of wild strawberry, pomegranate, black tea, vetiver, and rainier cherry with a slightly chewy, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, very long finish that presents notes of watermelon, fine tobacco, tonka bean, cherry custard, and tiramisu with moderate oak flavor. A rush of delicious flavors enchant the palate.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $20 and Under' Exceptional Value

Ruby black color. Inviting aromas of spiced raisins, palo santo smoke, coriander, wild strawberries, and berry tea with a lightly tannic, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, nuanced, long hazelnut, hints of ripe peach, and granola finish with moderate oak flavor. A bold, flavor-packed Zinfandel with some aging potential; dry and sultry.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $20 and Under' Exceptional Value

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..

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.

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.

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.