The Ultimate Zin

Peirano Estate Vineyards

The Immortal Zin Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

JFP
8.9

Not a great zin but not bad for a sipper. Probably by another. — 3 hours ago

Gnarly Head

Old Vine Zin Lodi Zinfandel 2017

Ken F
9.2

Good on Debbie bday party — 3 months ago

The Prisoner Wine Company

Saldo California Zinfandel 2021

Ted
9.0

Love the simplicity of the label. Very nice Zin. Medium bodied and has 4 years of age on it. — 4 months ago

Jeni
with Jeni
Tom, Shawn and 5 others liked this

Bedrock Wine Co.

Old Vine Zinfandel 2023

Red raspberry and spicy, very youthful, fruit, outstanding acidity, whereas the 2020 from earlier seems ready, this wine needs 3-5 years to peak, long, lingering finish, outstanding Zin!! I can only imagine how fantastic the single vineyard 2023 Bedrock Zins will be in 5-7 years! — 6 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
jesus, Ira and 6 others liked this

Storybook Mountain Vineyards

Mayacamas Range Napa Estate Zinfandel 2019

Beautiful Zin fruit fills the mouth. Delicious with grilled porterhouse. Finishing it after, there’s a bitter, tannic finish. Still loved it. But this one is for food. — 19 days ago

Tom, Dave and 1 other liked this

Frog's Leap

Napa Valley Zinfandel 2016

Classic Napa zin. Not a overbearing fruit bomb here. A producer who's cut their teeth & knows how to vinify w/ out the added garbage. — 6 years ago

Paul liked this

Chateau Montelena

The Montelana Estate Calistoga Zinfandel 2021

Bigger deeper notes for a Zin with coffee, blackberry, and leather. Some stronger tannins but not a total alcohol bomb at 14.3% — 5 months ago

Outpost

Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Outpost – Zinfandel – 2023
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A powerhouse Zinfandel from the rugged slopes of Howell Mountain. At 16.1% ABV, this wine blurs the line between classic Zin and fortified intensity, bold, muscular, and unapologetically impactful. Rare to find Zinfandel from Howell Mountain, and it shows the terroir’s distinctive stamp.

Aromas & Flavors
Jammy blackberry, black plum, and spiced cherry compote, layered with peppercorn, tobacco leaf, and cocoa nibs. Notes of fig and raisin round out the darker, concentrated fruit profile.

Mouthfeel
Full-throttle and mouth-coating. Explosive fruit upfront followed by fiery spice and dense tannins. Despite its muscle, the wine pulls through with a surprisingly hearty and lasting finish.

Food Pairings
Best with equally bold cuisine: barbecue brisket, lamb shanks, wild boar stew, or intensely spiced dishes. Could also shine next to aged blue cheese.

Verdict
A monster Zin, unapologetic, high-octane, and unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace big wines, it delivers a rare and compelling experience.

Did You Know?
Howell Mountain’s volcanic soils and high elevation are usually Cabernet Sauvignon country. Outpost’s decision to plant Zinfandel here makes this bottling one of Napa’s rare mountain Zins, combining Zin’s natural exuberance with Howell’s signature intensity.
— 7 hours ago

The Prisoner Wine Company

The Prisoner Napa Valley Zinfandel Blend

Deep ruby color and great nose. Velvety on palate with rich dark fruits. Soft tannins and a lasting finish. Good blend of Zin, Cab, Petite Syrah, and Syrah. — 4 months ago

Ridge Vineyards

Benito Dusi Ranch Paso Robles Zinfandel 2021

No sediment, so I popped and poured. Explosive nose has super-deep, pure spicy blackberry Zin fruit. Purity of fruit is a hallmark (in my experience) of Ridge’s Dusi Ranch cuvée. There’s also a bit of clove from the American oak, but it’s pretty subtle. Great intensity of flavor in the mouth, with a soft, enveloping texture. It’s big, at 14.8%, but it’s balanced. And keeping things under 15 in Paso is challenging. Terrific wine. Yummo. — 5 months ago

Austin, Peter and 16 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

Sounds great!!