Shenandoah Zinfandel Spec Reserve 2007

Shenandoah Zinfandel is one of my favorite wines, for a variety of reasons. It is made from organically-grown grapes in a winery that is overseen by the Sobon family, a famed Zinfandel-growing estate in California. It is consistently delicious, with bright, jammy fruit, hints of spice and vanilla, and a heavy, luscious body. And last but not least, I consistently recommend it because it is one of the best values in the store. I love pairing it with barbecue, and Irsquo;ve tried it with chocolate-based desserts with great results.

Herersquo;s a great value for a Sierra Foothills Zin, where you get some real mountain character. The sturdy tannins buck up wild berry flavors laced with coffee and herbs, and while the wine is bone dry, it finishes with ripe sweetness.

Herersquo;s a big, jammy mountain Zin, ripe in blackberry, cherry and mocha flavors, with a balance of acids and tannins that makes it clean and gulpable. It finishes a little sweet, and will be perfect with barbecue-sauced meats and poultry.

A rich example of the ldquo;Amadorrdquo; zinfandel style; ripe blackberries, cherries, and cocoa. The finish is long and satisfying. Complexity and balance make this Zin an excellent value.

You canrsquo;t beat the price. Itrsquo;s distinctly Amador, with that taste of ripe, briary red and black berries growing on thorn bushes hidden in the mountain scrub. Throw in a chocolaty edge, and total dryness, and yoursquo;ve got a great barbecue wine.

Spicy, with black pepper, rhubarb, strawberry and vanilla, ending with just a hint of cayenne. Perfect for barbecues and braised meats. A delicious value in California Zin, grab this while itrsquo;s caliente!

Spicy, with black pepper, rhubarb, strawberry and vanilla, ending with just a hint of cayenne. Perfect for barbecues and braised meats. A delicious value in California Zin, grab this while itandrsquo;s caliente!