Who makes the best zinfandels these days?

[Sherr1_Shap1r0]

@Chris Hogan

Surprised no one mentioned Elyse. I really enjoy their Morosoli and Howell Mountain Zins.

+1

[Glenn_L_e_v_i_n_e]

A lot of great Zin out there, Bedrock anybody?

[Jeff_Twersky]

I haven’t had any in a few years, but Rafanellli used to make a very good zin in the early 90s. My favorite remains Ridge.

[Taylor_Senatore]

You guys need to think outside the box! Carisle and Ridge are too easy (but yes obviously good) I suspect the OP is looking for unfound treasures.

I’d go with Sandler & Bradford Mountain Grist Vineyard. (Full Disclosure: I sell them.)

Agree with Elyse but only Morisoli.
Agree with Storybook but only Napa Reserve. (So I guess that was a 100% agree, but more to inform the OP there are others.)

I’d be interested in retasting Rafanelli.

Segheshio Zins are good but their Italian varietal stuff is outstanding.

$0.02 Yo!

[M_Dildine]

@Taylor Senatore

You guys need to think outside the box! Carisle and Ridge are too easy (but yes obviously good)

Taylor, while I agree with your premise, sometimes the most obvious answers are obvious for a reason!

Around five years or so ago I ran a “Who Makes the Best Zinfandel” poll on eBob. At the time, I believe the poll received the highest (or near highest) partcipation of any eBob poll.

As I recall, Ridge and Carlisle slugged it out to a near draw, with Turley in the #3 position.

[loren.grossman]

Wow. This far down and no Doug Nalle? The correct answer is Nalle. Nobody even a close second.

[Bob_Wood]

@M. Dildine

Around five years or so ago I ran a “Who Makes the Best Zinfandel” poll on eBob. At the time, I believe the poll received the highest (or near highest) partcipation of any eBob poll.

As I recall, Ridge and Carlisle slugged it out to a near draw, with Turley in the #3 position.

Has anyone even mentioned Turley in this thread? If so, I’ve missed it. I never liked their zins because I thought they were overdone, but it’s amazing how fast and far the once-mighty can fall.

[M_Dildine]

@Bob Wood

@M. Dildine

Around five years or so ago I ran a “Who Makes the Best Zinfandel” poll on eBob. At the time, I believe the poll received the highest (or near highest) partcipation of any eBob poll.

As I recall, Ridge and Carlisle slugged it out to a near draw, with Turley in the #3 position.

Has anyone even mentioned Turley in this thread? If so, I’ve missed it. I never liked their zins because I thought they were overdone, but it’s amazing how fast and far the once-mighty can fall.

I did!

Erhen Jordan + some of the greatest and best maintained vineyards in the state = Yummy!!!

[Bob_Hunnicutt]

I see three broad styles of Zin:

– Old style brambly, ageable, sometimes rustic: Dry Creek Vyds, Preston, Ridge, Storybook Mtn

– Soft, with depth, elegant, food friendly on release: Nalle, Raf

– Blockbuster red fruit bombs: Wilson, Armida, Carol Shelton

[Sean_Moore]

While I’ve spent more time drinking the Pinots and Syrah, John Holdgredge makes a tasty zin.

[Larry_P]

@M. Dildine

Around five years or so ago I ran a “Who Makes the Best Zinfandel” poll on eBob. At the time, I believe the poll received the highest (or near highest) partcipation of any eBob poll.

As I recall, Ridge and Carlisle slugged it out to a near draw, with Turley in the #3 position.

Interesting data point Mike. Seeing Ridge the runaway winner in the Which Early CA Winery Is Best Living Up To its Legacy poll got me thinking about this debate about Zinfandel being a noble grape (or not). Noble or not, Zin may be the runaway favorite for actual drinking.

To the OP: I don’t have much to add to what’s already been said, but…

Old favorites that still hit the spot:
Ridge, Seghesio, Bucklin, Ravenswood, Turley

Newer favorites and some of the best QPRs around:
Carlisle, Bedrock, Dashe

Excellent but IMO pushing a little too expensive:
Biale, Outpost

Anything from the great old Monte Rosso.

And to suggest a different spin, Sierra Foothills produces some excellent zins and generally with more medium body, higher acid, & more spicy/peppery profile:
Cedarville, Deaver, C.G. Di Arie, Dillian, Easton

[Brian_Tuite]

@M. Dildine

@Bob Wood

Has anyone even mentioned Turley in this thread? If so, I’ve missed it.

I did!

So did Moi.

Ridge, Carlisle, Turley will always occupy top spots but I’ll bet in a couple years EVERYONE will be talking Bedrock.

[johngonzales]

Another guy making zins (and other stuff like bassetti syrah and blends) worth tying is Augie Hug.
His 07 El Magnifico zin is big, but really wears the 16% alcohol well. It’s central coast but does not come across as really sweet or hot.
ditto the obvious choices of Carlisle, Ridge, Turley, Outpost, Lamborn, Elyse Morisoli

[G_Bienstock]

@Larry P

@M. Dildine

And to suggest a different spin, Sierra Foothills produces some excellent zins and generally with more medium body, higher acid, & more spicy/peppery profile:
Cedarville, Deaver, C.G. Di Arie, Dillian, Easton

There are plenty of old Zin vineyards in the Foothills. A 2008 Easton drunk last week was in the lighter Claret that I enjoy.

[Larry_P]

@Glenn Bienstock

@Larry P

And to suggest a different spin, Sierra Foothills produces some excellent zins and generally with more medium body, higher acid, & more spicy/peppery profile:
Cedarville, Deaver, C.G. Di Arie, Dillian, Easton

There are plenty of old Zin vineyards in the Foothills. A 2008 Easton drunk last week was in the lighter Claret that I enjoy.

Glen, somehow the nested “quotes” got crossed up - the Foothills rec was mine not Mike’s. Anyway… In Reno you’re not too far and maybe you’ve visited already, but I thought I’d add I really enjoyed visiting Easton/Terre Rouge. Beautiful area and very passionate, laid back friendly people. My wife and I got to spend a great deal of time with Bill Easton, had a great talk about Rhone wines, and he pulled out an extensive collection of library wines which were offered at great prices.

[Glenn_L_e_v_i_n_e]

Matt Hatcher makes really nice Zin in Calveras Co.

[StephenCFahy]

Old Ghost (Klinker Brick), Biale, Bedrock, Green & Red and Quivira.

[mstockley]

@Bob Wood

@M. Dildine

Around five years or so ago I ran a “Who Makes the Best Zinfandel” poll on eBob. At the time, I believe the poll received the highest (or near highest) partcipation of any eBob poll.

As I recall, Ridge and Carlisle slugged it out to a near draw, with Turley in the #3 position.

Has anyone even mentioned Turley in this thread? If so, I’ve missed it. I never liked their zins because I thought they were overdone, but it’s amazing how fast and far the once-mighty can fall.

No mention of Martinelli either

[M_Dildine]

@mstockley

@Bob Wood

@M. Dildine

Around five years or so ago I ran a “Who Makes the Best Zinfandel” poll on eBob. At the time, I believe the poll received the highest (or near highest) partcipation of any eBob poll.

As I recall, Ridge and Carlisle slugged it out to a near draw, with Turley in the #3 position.

Has anyone even mentioned Turley in this thread? If so, I’ve missed it. I never liked their zins because I thought they were overdone, but it’s amazing how fast and far the once-mighty can fall.

No mention of Martinelli either

Not true, I mentioned Helen. While Helen has moved on, Jackass and Jackass Hill are two of the world’s most remarkable historic vineyards. While these are costly, rare and hard to obtain, I’m on the list and an eager buyer.

[G_Bienstock]

Larry,

Yes I have been to Amador recently and visited Easton among others. When I was ITB I spent a day in the field with Bill Easton but sadly missed him on our visit. I bought some of the Syrah High Slopes. Good stuff.

On some recent trips to El Dorado we kept encountering other Renoites and most of them were pretty sloshed!