28th Annual Best of The Best:
California Zinfandel
QRW Tasting Team
If you’re still disparaging Zinfandel, then give it up. Drawn from the right sources and in the right hands, the wine can be as rich and complex as Cabernet, as witnessed by our annual 28th Best of the Best Zinfandel in California (recent releases). In this blind tasting, we tasted 38 wines and found six to recommend.
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BEST OF SHOW 2010 Ridge East Bench Zinfandel, |
California Zinfandel
2010 Ridge East Bench Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley/Sonoma County, $30. 100% Zinfandel, 15.1% alcohol. Crimson red, lots of spice, with rich raspberry and cherry flavors. A generous wines with gripping spice and earthiness, with complex plum and cherry finish. Beautiful balance. 95 points BEST OF SHOW
2009 Bella Two Patch, Alexander Valley, $40. Deep, big, rich black fruit, lush, with chocolate/mocha flavors. 94 points
2010 Cakebread Cellars Red Hills Lake County, $30. Coffee aroma. Soft, easy spice, smooth textured, rich, deep and elegant finish. 94 points
2009 Kuleto Estate, Napa Valley, $35. Well balanced wine. 14.9% alcohol. A wine with engaging aromas of cherry and strawberry. Earthy and mineral feel. Briary fruit. Generous with soft plum and berry finish. 93 points
2010 Ridge Paso Robles, Benito Dusi Ranch, San Luis Obispo County, $30. Delicious. Soft, spicy, strawberry/raspberry and cherry flavors. Clean, refreshing, smooth, with easy balance. 93 points
2010 Seghesio Family Vineyards, Sonoma County, $24. Robust. Dark Cherry and raspberry aromas, with same in the flavor. Nice balance of oak, earth, and spice. Rich. A meditative wine. Very fine. 93 points
Related articles:
• 28th Annual Best of The Best: California Cabernet Sauvignon
• 28th Annual Best of The Best: California Pinot Noir
