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Zinfandel is the most versatile and underestimated red wine in California, as this week's selection of new releases demonstrates. It's grown successfully throughout the state, and made in a range of styles from claret-like to fruit bomb. Plus, great quality can be found at bargain prices—as little as $14 in this selection.
Check out the appellations featured here: Dry Creek, Amador, Lake County, Contra Costa, Sonoma Valley and Paso Robles. Few other varieties thrive in such a wide range of terroirs.
Some of the leading names in Zinfandel are on this list too, including Carlisle, Turley and Ridge. Mike Officer's Carlisle Dry Creek Valley and Turley's Juvenile bottling are consistently among the top Zins at those price points. What's more, the 2016 and 2017 vintages are showing Zinfandel at its best.
CARLISLE Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2017
Svelte and supple, with expressive black cherry, dried sage and licorice flavors that linger on a long finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,358 cases made.
TURLEY Zinfandel California Juvenile 2017
Vibrant and zesty, with lively cherry and raspberry flavors, accented by smoky sage and peppery licorice notes. Drink now through 2026. 15,000 cases made.
DRY CREEK Zinfandel Sonoma County Heritage Vines 2017
Briary and vibrant, with zesty raspberry, toasted sage and cracked pepper flavors that take on richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025. 15,000 cases made.
RIDGE Zinfandel Paso Robles 2017
Briary and rustic yet appealing for the deep blackberry, mineral and savory underbrush accents that build toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2021 through 2027. 3,500 cases made.
THREE WINE COMPANY Zinfandel Contra Costa County 2017
Refined and well-built, with vibrant wild berry, smoky sage and pepper flavors that take on speed toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025. 1,854 cases made.
EASTON Zinfandel Amador County 2016
Vibrant and sleekly focused, with a lively core of acidity and tannins, layered with raspberry, stony mineral and white pepper flavors. Drink now through 2025. 5,000 cases made.
KUNDE FAMILY Zinfandel Sonoma Valley 2016
A snappy, briary red, with bright cherry, underbrush and black pepper flavors. Drink now through 2024. 4,750 cases made.
FREI BROTHERS Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Sonoma Reserve 2016
Easygoing and full of snap, with lively raspberry and toasted spice flavors. Drink now through 2023. 5,300 cases made.
SHOOTING STAR Zinfandel Lake County 2016
Focused and trim, with zesty cherry, herb and spice flavors. Drink now through 2024. 1,150 cases made.