Ten Bargain Zinfandels Worth a Try
Over the past few weeks we’ve been focused on Zinfandel and it’s finally time to do the wrap up. The majority of these Zins are from California, but one Italian Primitivo is thrown into the mix just for fun, and that’s the only one that came in with a price under ten bucks.
The classic pairing for Zinfandel is barbecue, but these will also go well with other grilled meats and strong cheeses. Pizza or pasta could also be a possible match for Zinfandel, but don’t bother with lighter foods.
Top Zinfandel Pick
Our favorite in this Zinfandel Roundup is the X Winery Lake County Nova Vineyard Zinfandel. This has some classic Zinfandel cola characteristics and a whole lot more. Luscious berry flavors abound on the palate, entwined with spicy white pepper notes. The mouth feel is pure velvet magic. This is an awesome Zinfandel!
Best Bargain Zinfandel
In this round-up I would not say there was an uber-bargain priced Zinfandel. But then, I should reiterate the point that we didn’t taste many that were under $10. Perhaps we’re getting too snobbish for our own good. But when it comes to quality-to-price ratio (QPR), it’s actually a tie between the Four Vines – Old Vine Cuveé and the Francis Ford Coppola – Director’s Cut.
The Four Vines is full of red fruit flavors and black pepper. It’s a bright and lively Zinfandel with vibrant acidity. The Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut also has great acidity, but is more of a dark fruit Zinfandel. It shows some blackberry, chocolate and complex spices. Both are tasty. But truth be told, I wouldn’t turn down any of these ten Zins:
| Brand | Year | Rating | Price |
| X Winery – Lake County Nova Vineyard | 2008 | 90 | $19.99 |
| Edmeades – Mendocino County | 2007 | 89 | $18.00 |
| Brazin -Old Vine Zin | 2007 | 88 | $15.00 |
| Four Vines – Old Vine Cuveé | 2007 | 87 | $14.00 |
| Francis Ford Coppola – Director’s Cut | 2007 | 87 | $13.99 |
| Agent for Change | 2006 | 86 | $15.00 |
| Ottimino – Zinfinity | 2006 | 86 | $17.00 |
| Villa Brondello – Primitivo | 2007 | 85 | $8.00 |
| 7 Deadly Zins | 2007 | 84 | $11.98 |
| Montevina – Amador County | 2006 | 84 | $11.99 |
As if the scores really mean anything.
Wine scores are worthless on good wines and these are production wines, so what’s the point.
I make it a point to rarely if ever buy a wine that has been rated. It’s just means someone is trying to push it, good wines sell themselves they doen’t need ratings.
And never listen to that bozo Robert Porker, who is so popular because he sucks up to the simple tastes of the masses.
Ahhh, the age old debate about wine scores. Weeeeeeeee!
As if the pretentious post of a pompous wine snob really means anything.
Keep up the good work, Tim! I enjoy your blog tremendously.
Thanks for the compliment, Goldwaters Ghost.
You’ve got some real winners on your list. If you had room for one more, I would definitely add Campus Oaks from Gnekow Family Winery: great flavor, silky-smooth mouthfeel and a long-lasting finish for around $12.
great list, but I think you missed a GREAT old vine zinfandel from Wine Guerrilla, the 2009 Sonoma County Zinfandel which is a lovely blend of 85% Zinfandel & 15% Petite Sirah
At only 15 dollars it’s about the midrange of this list as far as price, but quality wise, it certainly tops most of them.