There are many out there (you know who you are) who disparage Zinfandel, dismissing its wines as poor relations of Cabernet Sauvignon. We beg to differ. Drawn from the right vineyard sources and handled with care, Zin can evince the same deep, rich, complex character as Cabernet. As supporting evidence, we offer the following 11 wines.

Scott Adams, Bella Winery Owner

2008 Bella Zinfandel Maple Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley), $35. Beautifully ripe, lush, elegant, well-focused, black fruit and vanilla flavors.

2008 Cakebread Cellars Zinfandel Red Hills (Lake County), $50.
Big, rich, broad-across-the-beam, black fruit and smoky oak flavors.

2008 Dutcher Crossing Zinfandel Bernier-Sibary Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley), $39.
Ripe, zesty, succulent, well-knit, wild berry and nutty oak flavors.

2008 Dutcher Crossing Zinfandel Maple Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley), $40.
Lush, elegant, well-concentrated, black fruit and nutty oak vanillin flavors.

2007 Kunde Family Estate Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley), $18.
Dense, rich, plush, well-balanced, black fruit and dark chocolate flavors. BEST VALUE

2007 Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Rockpile Road (Rockpile), $30.
Rich, earthy, well-concentrated, black fruit, graphite, chocolate and oak vanillin flavors. BEST OF SHOW

2008 Bella Zinfandel Two Patch (Alexander Valley), $35. Deep, rich, full-bodied, black fruit and dark chocolate flavors.

2009 J. Lohr Gesture Zinfandel Limited Release (Paso Robles), $25.
Rich, ripe, silky, black fruit and mocha flavors.

2008 Mettler Family Zinfandel Epicenter Old Vines (Lodi), $18.
Big, rich, well-concentrated, bramble and smoky oak flavors.

2007 Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Harris Kratka Vineyard (Alexander Valley), $40.
Big, spicy, juicy, black fruit and dark chocolate flavors.

2007 Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Maggies Reserve (Sonoma Valley), $45.
Rich, ripe, well-concentrated, wild berry and smoky oak flavors.