Top Zinfandels from California

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2008 Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Zinfandel, 15%

This smells a bit unusual, with candied Rainier cherry notes combined with subtle floral tones, honeycomb, citrus notes and a lashing of oak. There is a slightly scorched quality to the nose but in a good way. With air this falls into a more typical cherry/berry/vanilla groove but it remains notably fresh and complex. In the mouth this is a bit more straightforward, packed with lightly creamy, vanilla-stained cherry pie filling fruit. It's actually got lovely tannins and great acidity, giving this a brightness and freshness in the mouth. It's big but well balanced and a touch rustic but not rough. An archetype party wine and a really delicious, if simple, Zin. 89pt

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sophiehuds-
on

272179 103

Was the Sonoma contingency left off the list intentionally? Ridge, Seghesio, Stryker, and Rosenblum are missing

Jan 13, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Gregory-
Dal Piaz

Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

89065 89,895

Page 1

Stay tuned for next week when I present the best of the rest -- and since the rest is coming from the heart of Sonoma County...

Jan 13, 2011 at 12:21 PM
sophiehuds-
on

272179 103

Will do! Thanks.

Jan 13, 2011 at 12:49 PM
iwanabawin-
o

207072 7

Where do you rate Seghesio Zin's?

Jan 13, 2011 at 3:45 PM
LoneWolfe

322933 2

Exactly, where is Sonoma in all this. And the goddess of Zin, Carol Shelton.

Jan 13, 2011 at 4:06 PM
Gregory-
Dal Piaz

Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

89065 89,895

It's right there lone wolf

'Stay tuned for next week when I present the best of the rest -- and since the rest is coming from the heart of Sonoma County, I'm betting there are going to be some very special wines!'

Jan 13, 2011 at 6:23 PM
LoneWolfe

322933 2

Well, actually, I would like for Sonoma to remain a secret. Let the crowds go to Napa. ;0) Thanks Gregory Have a good evening.

Jan 13, 2011 at 7:20 PM
Gregory-
Dal Piaz

Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

89065 89,895

Well, no matter what I say I think they will!

Zin is just not sexy, damn good, but not as sexy as Napa Cabernet.

Go figure?

Be well, and thanks.

Jan 13, 2011 at 7:26 PM
Alex-
groswird

729179 2

Since the Wall Street Journal [John Brecher] rated" your 03 it's first choice and a winery name to remember"to this new ranking you have proved that he and others are so right. The 2008 FCV is outstanding as are your other wines.Sometimes the "little handmade works well"
Alex 1/13/11

Jan 14, 2011 at 2:19 AM
Alex-
groswird

729179 2

Write your comment here.

Jan 14, 2011 at 2:19 AM
englanito

122107 31

Missed the greatest of all napa zin's - Biale

Jan 14, 2011 at 1:22 PM
Francois-
de Melogue

Hand of Snooth

212256 7

What a great article! It was refreshing to see Mendocino see well represented!

Jan 14, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Tropicgal

101287 5

No Rosenblum?? This list is incomplete!!

Jan 14, 2011 at 11:15 PM
FIELD and-
track

620335 5

I will try some of these. However, Brown Winery has some stellar Zins. I mean, Stellar. I like it better than Seghesio, which is very good. Brown is a small family run winery in Napa. I enjoyed the article, I may order some these wines we can't get here in Anchorage.

Jan 15, 2011 at 2:19 PM
joewinetra-
veler

610411 17

I just interviewed Vince Tofanelli. His Zin comes from his family vineyards in the Calistoga AVA. This is a beautiful Zin, so well balanced and flavorful but not over the top. Add Tofanelli Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 to your list. Vince will be pouring this wine at Zap. Try it and you will be stunned. Price $33. By the way Vince sells Zin grapes to Turley and Duckhorn. That should tell you something!

Jan 17, 2011 at 8:22 PM