The Zin Thing

68% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 16% Petite Sirah

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

When young it was reviewed as being a good bet to age well. A pleasantly balanced Zinfandel that has well-focused ripe plum, raspberry and cherry flavors. It turns smooth and elegant on the finish, even with its mild tannic grip.

Tightly wound and firmly tannic when young, this wine had potential for the leathery currant and cherry flavors to emerge and deepen.

While not practicing veterinary medicine, vintner Kent Rosenblum produces extraordinary Zinfandel. Smooth, ripe, and elegant, with a pretty core of plum and blackberry-laced flavor. Finishes with a nice floral touch and firm tannins.

Traditionally farmed on hillside vineyards of red clay soil. Aged 12 months in small oak barrels. Only 425 cases produced.

Smooth, rich and chocolaty, with layers of supple plum, wild berry, cherry and chocolate-covered raspberries, finishing with a complex, concentrated aftertaste. Impressive balance. Is this really what they claim it to be? See November 8 Wine Spectator article at the bottom of this page before deciding!!!!

From Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, the wine is pleasantly fruity, with cherry, raspberry and plummy notes that turn smooth and supple. From hillside, dry-farmed older vines.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

From vines planted in the last century, this wine is aged 15 months in new American oak … and it will be Year 2000 ready!

This winery produces a wide variety of moderately priced reds. The Sonoma County Zin is from old vine, dry-farmed vineyards

From a region south of the Monteray Bay area, this wine comes from the highest Zinfandel vineyard in the Paso Robles appellation.

A classic Ridge wine. This vintage is only 60% Zinfandel with a vineyard blend of 22% Carignan, 12% Petite Sirah, 4% Alicante, and 2% Mataro.

Fife is developing a track record for producing big reds.

Many think that Storybook produces some of the longest lived Zins.

From a renowned producer whose slogan is “No Wimpy Wines”, this Zin is from 110 year old vines.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

An example of a high extract, high alcohol (15.4%), inky-colored monster style Zin. Persistent fruit and a jammy finish in this late-harvest style wine. The fruit is from Loius Martini’s Monte Rosso Vineyard. Ravenswood also produced a 1994 Zinfandel from this vineyard

This vintage is 68% Zin, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, and 4% Mataro.

A different designation than the Vielle Vignes wine tasted last year.

Concentrated fruit in the aromas and flavors of this big, rich wine.

Sweet oak and sweet fruit highlight this Alexander Valley product from 70 year old vines

Aroma of raspberries, blackberries, and oak. Aged 13 months in French and American Oak.

Shipped via Ken in Nebraska!

One of the vineyard designated wines from this outstanding producer. Neither fined for filtered before bottling.

See note at the bottom of the page regarding the death of the vineyard owner.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

27 consecutive Zin Things have been graced by a Ridge Zin. This vintage of Geyserville is not technically a Zin given its field blend composition of 62% Zin, 18% Petite Sirah, 15% Crarignan, and 5% Mataro, but it exhibits qualities of a classic California benchmark wine. Produced by Ridge since 1966, portions of the vineyard exceed 130 years of age. Gently farmed vines and native yeast.

Family owned and operated by four generations since the early 1900s, A. Rafanelli specializes in Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Highly regarded by its devoted following and only available at the winery, Greg and Mary are wondering how this wine made it to the tasting since the Kincaid fire cancelled our Rafanelli visit.^{1st time at a Zin Thing}

Steve Lagier, a former Mondavi winemaker, and Dr. Carole Meredith, a Cal Davis grape geneticist, devloped their small mountain vineyard by hand. Dr. Meredith’s last project at Cal Davis was to determine the origin of Zinfandel. DNA extracted from museum samples revealed that the Tribidrag grape from the Dalmatian Coast of today’s Croatia is Zinfandel. One of the key wines in the Adriatic wine trade from the 1300s. Near extinction in Croatia due to disease, the few remaining vines are known by local names of Crljenak Kaštelanski, Pribidrag and Kratošija. Spicy, rich, and balanced; aged in neutral oak and bottled unfiltered. 118 cases produced.^{1st time at a Zin Thing}

A lighter styled Zin from volcanic soil on a hillside vineyard. Aromas of dried cranberries and spice box. On the palate, red fruits and hazelnut. Unfined and unfiltered. ^{1st time at a Zin Thing}

The 60 plus year old vines grown on benchlands and mountainside slopes are a Mendocino treasure. Uninoculated, or “wild” yeast fermentation. A tasty and affordable Zin from Carol, a “Master of Zin Zen” for over 35 years.

Aperitif wine donated by Iria Guiffrida and Ben Hale

Outstanding producer of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. The estate vineyard surrounds the winery and family home. Be sure to get a pic with your Turely in front of Michael Godard’s “Turley Wine” painting.

Blended from the prized 100-year-old Big Break, Live Oak and Bridgehead vineyards in Oakley, planted in deep, sandy soil, dry-farmed and head-pruned, as they were 100 years ago. Featuring chocolate, sweet berries, spice and coffee, it’s a big-boned Zin!

Barrel 32 is a testament to Bella’s commitment to produce the purest expression of Zinfandel. Hand selected and blended from the year’s best barrels. Just over 200 cases.

This “Reserve” designated Rockpile Zinfandel is sourced from a vineyard site 2000 feet above Lake Sonoma and the Dry Creek Valley that is known for producing intense fruit.

After an international modeling career and a catering venture, Stephanie Cook realized her winemaking dream. By way of Becki Whitehurst and Second Street American Bistro, Stephanie donated this wine for tonight’s event! From a steeply sloping vineyard with well-drained, rocky soils, this wine exhibits minerality, black fruits and sweet spice with a long finish. 107 cases produced.

Ridge is represented in the Zin Thing for the 26th year by this Lytton Springs gem that is 71% Zin, 22% Petite Sirah and 9% Carignane. Produced by Ridge since 1972 from an exceptional vineyard with 115+ year old vines.

“Life is like a field blend: plant complexity to experience complexity.” #ZinZen Vol. 1, Ridge Vineyards.

Earthy dark fruits and spice, with mocha and vanilla oak. 209 cases made. We love that Carol has been “Mastering the Zen of Zin” for over 34 years.

Aperitif wine to begin the evenin

Finishing the tour of Zinfandel appellations in Paso Robles, roughly half way between Monterey and Santa Barbara. Vineyard soils are depositional and residual derived from sedimentary rock. Black cherry, stewed plum, exotic barrel spice. Ripe bramble on entry, firm acid, gravelly mineral, medium-full body, round tannins, integrated oak finish.

Hot sun, sandy soil, and cool evening air from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers produce a stunning, concentrated harvest. Intense wine for which Cline Cellars is known.

Ridge is the only winery to be represented in all 25 Zin Things! This field blend is 68% Zin with 16% Petite Sirah and 16% Carignane. Produced since 1966, we consider Geyserville to be a benchmark California wine. Some of the vines are 130+ years old.

“Life is like a field blend: plant complexity to experience complexity.” #ZinZen Vol.1, Ridge Vineyards

85 year old vines cover the hill above Bella’s aging cave at the top of Dry Creek Valley and yield elegant deep wines with intense black fruit flavors.

From Lodi, between Napa and Sacramento, head-trained old vines on sandy loam produce vibrant, concentrated fruit and a wine with creamy caramello oak and a long finish.

A Tennessee clan, after having a mysterious incident with revenuers on ‘ole Rocky Top (strangers ain’t come down from Rocky Top, reckon they never will), moved west and took up legal beverage production. Not really. From ridge-top pre-prohibition vines on cobbly loam. Summer berries, licorice and earthiness with hints of white pepper and allspice.

(du vin en boîte)
Trouvez vous que la boîte ne fait tres chic sur votre table?
Verzez-le en carafe avant ‘arrivée des invités!

Bella’s limited production wine (200 cases) blended from the best barrels source from Rockpile Vineyard [Rocky Ridge?], the Todd Brothers’ Vineyard in Alexander Valley, the Florence Vineyard and Bella’s estate vineyards Lily Hill and Big River Ranch.

From the Russian River Valley near Limerick Lane. Elegant, supple fruit and velvety tannins in this well-balanced wine. Wilson is known for high quality, single vineyard Zin production.

Beran Wines is a project of Joe Wagner (Caymus, Belle Glos, Meiomi) to restore Zin’s esteemed position as a consumate California wine. Sourced from multi-generation Zin growers. The winemaker’s goal is to produce wines with fruit, spice and an unctuous, rich roundness that makes them easy to drink. Check with Rob Bickford for more details. (Donated by Rob Bickford).

Mastering the Zen of Zin since 1978, Carol is a guru of single-vineyard Zin. From the deep red, rocky soils of the Florence Vineyard in Rockpile, 1400 feet above Lake Sonoma and Dry Creek Valley. An elegant and restrained wine with deep blackberry fruit, spicy oak creaminess, very dark chocolate, dash of pepper.

We always carry a Ridge at the Zin Thing! With 70% Zin, 17% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignane and 3% Mataro this does not carry the Zinfandel varietal label. Many Lytton Springs vintages age very well. From 115+ year-old vines just north of Healdsburg.

From the same folks who produce Siduri Pinot Noir. Blackberry, black licorice and black pepper. Leather and game are in the mix too, giving the wine a wild edge.

This appellation was approved in 2013 and ranges from 400 to 2000 feet above sea level to the east of Glen Ellen. This volcanic soils with cooling cross winds from the Pacific and San Pablo Bay. This producer specializes in premium, small lots.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening.

Originally the term used on the telephone party line to request a jug of wine produced by the Biales, Black Chicken is now the vineyard name in the Oak Knoll district north of Napa.

Supple and silky oak notes from a blend of French, American and Hungarian oak frame the rich and spicy aromas. Super-extracted fruit with rich sappy vanilla, clove, boysenberry and blackberry. Finish closes with black pepper spice and sweet, ripe cherry.

Outstanding vintage had long hang time that enabled development of complex flavors and aromas with mature tannins. Perfumed bouquet of ripe blackberries and sweet raspberries with hints of roasted coffee and vanilla. On the palate, soft and inviting, suggestion of mineral, and layers of ripe black fruit and refined tannins.

It wouldn’t be a Zin Thing without a Ridge Zin. Geryserville is often mentioned as a benchmark California wine. Home to Ridge’s oldest vines, the “Old Patch” section of the contains vines that are more than 130 years of age. Ridge has made Geyserville as a single-vineyard Zinfandel every year since 1966.

Drawn from two prized “patches” of exceptional vineyard land: the 100-year-old, low-yielding vines of Big River Ranch and the 5o-year-old vines of Todd Brothers Ranch. Bright fruit and lush appeal – blackberry pie and black pepper aromas, followed by bold flavors of tart rhubarb and spice. Long finish of vanilla and sweet oak. 100% Zinfandel.

From 112-year-old vines at the Pines Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, a vineyard that is among the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. Abandoned in the ’60s, vines were rejuvenated in the ’80s. Bold, mouth-filling texture and long finish. After 23 years — a non-California Zin at the Zin Thing!
Webmaster’s note: See Forgeron Alder Ridge Vineyard 2002, Zin Thing 2005 😉

Aromas of black cherry, plum and raspberry fruit. Long finish. Remember – you are what you drink. 80% Zin, 14%Carignane, 5% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening. Extra credit if you know the double meaning of this wine’s name!

The Prisoner Wine Company acquired Prisoner and Saldo from Orin Swift in 2009. Jen Belozs, who spent more than a decade at Ravenswood, now blends the wines with grapes sourced froma variety of long-time growers. This blend is only 46% Zinfandel along with 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah, and 2% Charbono.

Surviving a cool summer followed by a scorching heat wave in August, the long hang time allowed for full flavor development. Spice, brown sugar, plum and boysenberry nose followed on the palate by blackberry and bright strawberry flavors.

Claimed to be at least 135 years old, these vines are the oldest documented Zin vines in Alexander Valley. Acquired by Silver Oak, who promised to preserve some of the vines. Not yet known who will get the grapes.

Featured many times during the Zin Thing, is Ravenswood’s Dickerson vineyard still a contender? This site just south of St. Helena is capable of producing big, fully extracted wines with minerality and a long finish. 1/3 of the vines date to 1930

A reserve Zin assembled from vineyards in Dry Creek, Rockpile and Russian River. Aged 13 months in new American and French Oak with some older Hungarian barrels. Blackberry, spice, black pepper with long black fruit finish. 88% Zin, 4% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet. 316 cases produced.

Situated in a prime west side location at the head of Dry Creek Valley, these magnificent 99-year-old vines are directly above Bella’s wine cave. Elegant and balanced with black currant and clove aromas. Solid red fruit and soft tannins. In its prime drinking window. 5% Syrah.

Continuing the tradition of Ridge Zins at the Zin Thing. On benchland and gently rolling hills separating Dry Creek from Alexander Valley, Lytton Springs has proven to be an ideal site for Zinfandel. The weathered, agronomically poor soils, primarily gravelly clay, help the grapes ripen slowly and provide balance to Zinfandel vines. The 100-plus-year-old Zinfandel vines are interplanted with Petite Syrah, Carignane, Mourvèdre, and Grenache. Many consider this to be the quintessential example of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. 17% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignane.

Primarily from 100+ year old, low-yielding Zinfandel blocks in Contra Costa County. These ancient, dry-farmed vineyards consistently produce fruit of stunning concentration. 90% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignane and 3% Syrah. Good value.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

Aromas of dark cherry, cocoa powder and baking spice lead to a rich, full wine. Finishes with chocolate, berry and vanilla bean. Sounds more like pie than wine!

From a vineyard just north of Santa Rosa, it starts with raspberry, cinnamon and anise aromas that lead to layered flavors of boysenberry and spice. Bastoni is known to yield big wines.

Raspberry, cherry, pepper and spices. Is the acidity sufficient to hold this wine together at 8 years of age?

In its prime, this wine may exhibit black cherry, other dark fruits, coffee and caramel notes that are characteristic of Dry Creek benchland vineyards. Is this still anywhere near prime?

It wouldn’t be a Zin Thing without a Ridge Zin. Ridge wines are known to age gracefully and take on a different character. A recent tasting note said that drinking this wine now is like finally having a calm and reasoned discussion with someone who’s only every shouted at you in the past.

From 85-year-old vines and aged in 1/3 new oak barrels, the wine offers bright cherry and black raspberry aromas complemented by hints of dried rose and black tea (S. Tanzer).

With its acquisition by Silver Oak, a portion of the vineyard will be planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of the Zin vines, among the oldest known in Sonoma County, may be preserved.

The Wine Guerrilla, Bruce Patch, is a defender of the rich tradition of California’s iconic old vine Zinfandel. Blended from four Dry Creek vineyards (Mounts, Adel’s, Forchini, and Gino’s), this wine may make you feel like pounding your chest! Label art by Sean Colgin.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

From the heart of east facing vineyards above Calistoga. Wild berries and cherries, Asian spices. Rich flavors and an intense, clean and lingering finish.

Only planted in 1997 in the relatively new Rockpile appellation, this vineyard is at 1200 feet. Steep hillsides and shallow soils make for great drainage. Fruit has great structure and intensity. Earlier fog burn off allows for more sun exposure and even ripening.

Fruit from across California. Classic aromas of blackberry, black pepper and herbs. Dark fruit flavors with lively acidity of the cool 2010 vintage.

Situated near the delta on sand a gravel soils, the vineyards receive the benefit of both cool breezes and accessible groundwater. The head-pruned, dry-farmed vineyards self-regulate their growth, producing low yields of intensely flavored, ultra-ripe fruit.

Dry-farmed head-pruned vines were planted in the 19th century. Site is characterized by the hot sun, phylloxera-resistant sand soil and air flow from Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers.

The clay and loam vineyard site is dry farmed by the Maple family. Aged in older oak

The 40th vintage of this benchmark wine. The 2005 is a field blend of 77% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane and 6% Petite Sirah.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

The 99-year old Highwire Vineyard takes its name from the vineyard’s trellising system: half of the parcel is head trained and half is trained on an unusually high wire strung between each vine. Robert Parker finds beautiful floral berry note, medium to full-bodied flavors and stunning purity, fleshiness and texture…a tour de force in Zinfandel wine production.

Limerick Lane produces beautiful, pure fruit Zinfandel and Syrah from this vineyard.

Classic Zin from Dry Creek Valley, this is Ridge’s 25th year for this benchmark wine. 76% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah and 6% Carignane

The Cucamonga Valley, located in San Bernardino County about 45 miles east of Los Angeles, has only about 1000 acres of vines — down from 35000 acres in the 1940s. Lopez Vineyard was planted in 1918 and is now surrounded by interstate highways (thus the hints of tar and oil!). Bright pomegranate-wild cherry fruit, brown sugary-caramel oak and fragrant Asian spices.

Planted in 1895 next to the Seghesio home, the head pruned vines are meticulously maintained to produce a low yield of evenly ripe fruit. Made in small lots with punch-down fermentation, a 10 day maceration, and aged for 14 months in French and American oak (33% new wood). Donated to this tasting by Diane and Francis Capone.

From the vineyard that towers above the winery and aging caves at the north end of the valley.

A winner from last year’s Lightning Rounds; from the highly touted, low-yielding Carlisle Vineyard.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

Nose of black pepper, blackberry and dried spice. Full bodied flavors of blackberry and vanilla. Selected and donated by Rob Bickford.

Classic Rosenblum style with big fruit, spice and tons of flavor. Selected by Jack Schnaedter.

Warning, Dangerously Good. Nose of black cherry and pepper. Bold fruit flavors with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Selected by Jack Schnaedter and Rob Bickford.

Classic Zin from Dry Creek Valley, this has been a standard bearer for many years. 17% Petite Sirah and 7% Carignane. Selected by Bill Spengler and Ale Macdonald.

Known for their aging potential. Bouquet and flavors become less “Zin like” as they age. Selected by Sally Connolly, Rob Bickford, and Ale Macdonald.

A benchmark California wine from the highly regarded 1994 vintage. 20% Carignane and 8% Petite Sirah. Selected by Ale Macdonald and Bill Spengler.

From 112 year old vines. Robert Parker once called this wine “seriously endowed”. Selected by Carey Waldrip.

Fruit sourced from Wilson’s Tori, Sawyer and Carl’s Vineyards. Fermented in small open-top vats with three daily punchdowns. Selected by Chantal Waldrip.

From 108 year-old vines along Wood Road. 18 days on skins including 7 days extended maceration. Selected by Sally Connolly and Rob Bickford.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

A blend of two small patches of vines from Big River Ranch and Todd Brothers Ranch, neighbors in the Alexander Valley. Expect complex flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and cocoa bean.

When we walked into Novy’s door and said “We’re here to taste Zinfandel”, they enthusiastically grabbed a pipette and glasses and climbed among the barrels for unreleased samples. Enjoy!

Planted over the first half of the 20th century, the vineyard is a mix of 85% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah and 4% Carignane. Alicante Boushet, Black Malvasia, and Black Muscat comprise the remaining 1%. The vines are dry farmed and head trained.

This vineyard is at an elevation of 2440′ in the northwest Dry Creek Valley. A recently planted vineyard, this wine is an excellent addition to the stellar lineup from Wilson.

Century-old vines are planted with Zinfandel, Mataro, Carignane, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah and others. The vineyard was rescued from near ruin in 1982. Wines from Old Hill are big, rich and deep.

From the heart of the eastern facing estate vineyards high above the northern end of the Napa Valley.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

Clay Mauritson is from the sixth generation of a grape growing family. Tiny, thick-skinned berries are sourced from Buchignani, Saini and Faloni vineyards. Barrel aged for 25 months. Only 257 cases made.

Old vine Zinfandel was sourced from several (secret) Napa vineyards.

Produced from younger vines, this wine has a variety of flavors including plum, cherry, mocha and black pepper. This wine was spotted on the bar at Zin Restaurant and Wine Bar in Healdsburg during a recent visit!

Cherry, raspberry, plum. licorice, smoke and spice. Includes some Carignane and Petite Sirah. Vineyard farmed by three generations.

Vineyard is on east facing slopes of the northern Sonoma Valley. Gravelly clay loam. Head trained vines planted 100+ years ago. Farmed by the same family across four generations.

The Samsel Vineyard dates to 1901. Prominent blackberry and plum flavors. Kent Rosenblum, DVM, sold the winery to Diageo for $105M last winter, so there may be changes (probably not good) in the future.

Blended from two of Bella’s three Zin vineyards, Lily Hill, Big River Ranch, and Belle Canyon. Slightly leaner than the single vineyard wines, but typically this is a classic Dry Creek Zin.

Aperitif wine to begin the evening

Vineyard is in northern Sonoma Valley on a gravelly clay loam. Head trained 100+ year-old vines. From an outstanding Zin vintage and one of the best Zin producers.

From a vineyard site located 700′ to 1240′ above Sonoma Valley

Vines benefit from a prime location in the gap at the northern end of Napa Valley. Volcanic soils are rich in manganese, iron, and calcium.

Vines from as early as 1925 are grown on the Ritchie Creek alluvial fan at the base of Spring Mountain (between St. Helena and Calistoga). Can produce a complex and well-structured wine. 100% Zinfandel.

The beautiful vineyard of nearly century-old vines crowns the hill above the winery and wine cave.

Rumors are that this winery is named after the St. Francis Pet Resort and Rehabilitation Center are unfounded. However, the winery does have a resident cat!

From an organically farmed vineyard in the Sierra foothills, the old vines thrive in a volcanic, bolder strewn* soil. 4% Petite Sirah. “Good ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top Zinfandel!”

*First time the word “strewn” has been used in a Zin Thing menu!

Winery just outside Healdsburg. Beware!

Aperitif wine to begin the evening.

Another benchmark from Ridge. Robert Parker 90 points.

From the mountainside vineyards high above Calistoga. 4% Viognier included in the blend this year.

A benchmark wine from Ridge. Robert Parker 91 points. 75% Zinfandel, 18% Carignan, and 8% Petite Sirah.

1250 cases were made from the 110 year-old vines. Robert Parker rates this ‘seriously endowed’ wine at 92 points.

At 16.6%, an alcoholic monster. Wine Spectator 90 points. 89% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, and 3% unidentified black grape!

From 108 year-old vines

From Napa, Lodi, and Amador grapes. Sweet dark cherry and berry flavors with pepper spice aromas.

From a benchland vineyard in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley. Raspberry jam aromas: spicy hot peppers, brown sugar, chocolate flavors with lush tannins. 600 cases produced.

From a south-facing vineyard on the north side of the Columbia River. Fruity aromas, bright cherry and spicy oak flavors. 94% Zinfandel, 4% Syrah, 2% Merlot. Only 298 cases produced. Donated to this tasting by Jean and Nelson Jalufka.

Dry-farmed vineyards along the Silverado Trail near St. Helana. Petite Sirah included in the blend.

From 25 year-old, head-pruned vines near St. Helena. Fewer than 400 cases produced.

Vineyards 1200 feet above Lake Sonoma on a steep hillside; planted to a rare clone of old-vine Zinfandel. Black cherry, currants, blackberry, anise, and spice.

A short crop in 1996 with best production coming from younger vines. Spice and berry fruit; aged in American oak for 14 months. Robert Parker said that this wine could pass for a 1995 high-class, mid-weight Burgundy. Is he nuts?
75% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro

Aperitif wine to begin the evening.

110 year-old vines. Robert Parker 90 points. 574 cases produced.