Attributes:

Scott Harvey Wines

Amador, United States

Zinfandel

750 ML

2003: CGCW Rating: 84

full-bodied

compact

earthy, minerally, oak, strawberries

ripe

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83

light

simple

coffee, dill, leather

open, smooth

2000: CGCW Rating: 87

pleasant

strawberries, vanilla

Food Matches:

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

Amador County CA is located in the Sierra Foothills AVA. Like so many of the vineyards in California, after prohibition Amador lied dormant until the 1960's. The soils in Amador are in the present day, Amador stands out against its neighboring regions by growing grapes in a lower elevation. All though this flat region cools down at night, the lower elevation accounts for more heat during the day, and thus riper fruit. 75 % of the grapes planted in Amador are zinfandel, and is the variety Amador gains reputation from. The Amador Zinfandel is distinctive, with high alcohol, fruity or jammy tastes, with a briar smell. Besides Zinfandel, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc do very well.

Attributes:

Cheyanna

Napa Valley, United States

Zinfandel

750 ML

2003: CGCW Rating: 84

soft

simple

Food Matches:

This tiny strip of land just north of San Francisco is home to America’s most prestigious wineries. Its climate is ideal for viticulture. Ironically, it was deemed too ideal for some vintners, who have moved their vineyards from the valley’s flat plain to the hills in the east and west, adhering to the idea that grapes that struggle to grow yield better wine. The climate, soil, and individual wineries are enormously varied, so it’s impossible to identify a singular trait of Napa wines. In addition, nearly every noble grape is grown here, although Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the primary grapes. In the past, Napa’s wines have alternated between extremely fruity and fat to lean and subtle. Today the best Napa wines have achieved a balance between these extremes. Many are made to be drunk young and have abundant ripe fruit; others can be initially hard and tannic, but soften over four or five years to perfumed, cedary fruit. White Napa wines are excellent with fresh-grilled fish and chicken, but can also cope with more spicy and creamy flavors. Many Napa reds will overwhelm delicate cuisine, but rich red meat and cheeses do make good companions.

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

Attributes:

Barefoot Cellars

California, United States

Zinfandel

750 ML

NV: WineSpectator Rating: 77

cherry, medicinal

NV: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83

chewy

NV: Tastings Rating: 85

light, medium-bodied

well-made

sweet

NV: Tastings Rating: 85

medium-bodied

earth, raspberry, sage, spice

NV: Tastings Rating: 84

soft

medium-bodied

moderate depth

NV: Tastings Rating: 83

soft, tart

floral

cedar, raspberry, sage

NV: Tastings Rating: 83

light, medium-bodied

blackberry, dill

NV: Tastings Rating: 83

medium-bodied

cherry, cinnamon

Food Matches:

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

California produces the majority of wine made in the United States. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir dominate the wine production in California, but many other varietials thrive in the California climate. Many fine wines are produced in California using Mediterranean grapes.