Style Heavy red New World Country USA (CA) Price $9
Vintage tasted 2008 Grapes Zinfandel

Overview Zinfandel is America’s best claim to a national grape variety—though it seems also to have genetic ties to Croatian grapes as well as Italy’s Primitivo. Still, the name Zinfandel and its signature style are thoroughly Californian. Only in recent decades has the wine begun to gain the respect it deserves. Unabashedly huge and fruity (but not necessarily jammy), it’s as boisterous and unapologetic as the settlers who first cultivated it.

Nose This wine is restrained for a Zin, with berries, vegetables, and a smell that reminded one taster of a plastic pool toy.

Mouth It’s impressively balanced, with sufficient acid and tannins to counter the ripe flavors.