A need the name of a few good Zinfandels

[KingsJohn/Obediah]

That is all-

[OTTo VoN BLoTTo]

Here's a few that jump to mind:

RIDGE. Everything they do is KILLER good IMHO.

CLINE. Really good budget bottling, and the higher stuff is great too. Nice tart cranberry and peppery character.

ROSENBLUM. Lots of bottlings from different appellations, but pretty reliable in general. Some of the higher ones are AWESOME.

RAVENSWOOD. Pretty good stuff at a that lower price-point.

And EDMEADES. BIG... ASS... ZINS. Some over 17% alcohol, but surprisingly good balance considering.

[Dr. Bouch]

CLINE is bomb

Old Moon is pretty tasty

FIFE is my fav

[Henry1515]

I personally like Beringers...

[Annapurna]

I'm partial to Ridge and Tobin James

[Hipcheck]

Tobin James is a good brand. I had Murphy Goode Liars Dice a couple of months ago that was fantastic.

[go]

Look for Sonoma Valley, Russian River or Lodi Zins. Apparently that is the best place to grow Old Vine Zinfandels.

My favorite is Gnarley Head because I am cheap. Can pick it up at Cost Plus World Market for like $12.

Segheisio is another good one I have tried but it is more expensive, like $25.

[Hipcheck]

Heres a recent wine I got thats great and cheap. Its a blend with zin and others.

2006 REDS, Lodi

[ROBUSTO]

TJs: Rocking Horse and Falcon Ridge both about $6 if I remember correctly. I would drink these before the Peachy Canyon Incredible Red. Black Mountain in a pinch for a fiver.

Costco: Peachy Canyon Westside Vineyard $12 and worth every penny.

[ChilledAgua]

I'll chip in with EOS zinfandel. Nice rich mouthfeel and bright with berries, jam and spices (have it all the time with grilled beef).

It's conveniently available at markets with decent wine sections and the price (depending on whether or not it is a sale item) ranges from $8.99 - $15.99.

My all-time favorite is (was, since it is apparently no longer made) Zoom zinfandel. It was made by Rosenblum's winemaker using grapes from 106 year-old vines. Most complex wine I've ever had. If you ever run across a bottle somewhere, give it a try. It was a steal for $25 (the price I used to pay for it).

[Salty Dog]

Neil recommended Sin Zin to me a while ago. It was pretty damn good.

[gescom]

i just had this one the other day and i enjoyed it.

[GreatSaveGerber]

Here's my two cents on one of my all-time favorite varietals. Get ready for my tasting notes!

Livermore Valley Cellars '04 Kestrel Ridge Zinfandel (Livermore): This voluptuous beauty bursts with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, blackberry, cloves, black pepper, and a hint of coffee. Its velvety body is luscious, and its finish seems to last about half an hour. (Given its surprising degree of balance and integration, it's shocking to learn its alcohol content is a mind-blowing 16.1 percent. If you think I'm tossing a bouquet to my all-time favorite Zin, you're right. ***** 3/4

The following is straight from the 32 pages of tasting notes I took, as part of the three-day wedding anniversary getaway (our 20th)/business trip that Mr. GBG and I took late this February. Don't ask how, but we managed to sample 105 wines during our three days of work/pleasure ...

Tobin James '06 Zinfandel "Ballistic" (Paso Robles): Ruby-red, bright color; much driver and lighter than the '05 -- almost like the TJ Sangiovese on 'roids. Still fruity, but nowhere near as jammy, inky, or syrupy sweet. Very interesting, and very complex. (My better half REALLY likes it.) **** 1/2

Tobin James '05 Late Harvest Zinfandel "Liquid Love" (Paso Robles): Rich, intense berry (raspberry/boysenberry/lingonberry) on luscious nose and palate. Sweet, slightly spicy finish. No-holds-barred decadence. *****

Peachy Canyon '05 Paso Robles Zinfandel (Paso Robles): Bright red color; medium body with a supple feel; surprisingly dry, zingy red cherry and cranberry essences on nose and palate. Fun! ****

Castoro Cellars '05 Zinfandel "Zinfusion" -- 85% Zinfandel and 15% Petite Syrah (Paso Robles): Deep, concentrated, juicy black and red fruit (raspberry and boysenberry, black pepper, and cloves dominate nose and palate. Full, lush mouthfeel, and gorgeous, full-out finish that lasts and lasts. Great! *****

Wild Coyote '04 Zinfandel (Paso Robles): Cherry/raspberry/boysenberry aromas and flavors; medium body with elegant structure; subtle essences of green pepper, eucalyptus, not unlike a Charles Joguet Cabernet Franc; spicy, lingering finish. Exotic and elegant. **** 3/4

Cheers!

Jan/GBG