Jax's monthly guide to what we consider the current top ten best values in wine to be. These are wines that we have tried and that we feel provide an excellent bang for the buck.

Top 20 Zinfandels

The #20 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Chiarello
Product:  
2008 Giana Zinfandel
Region:  
Napa Valley, California, U.S.
Price:   
$38.99 per 750 ml

   Giana Zinfandel is full of ripe black and red fruit notes, including notes of cherry, and a great fresh spice in the finish. It is completed with 3% of Chiarello's Old Vine Petite Sirah.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #19 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Product:  
2007 Sin Zin
Region:  
Alexander Vallley, California, U.S.
Price:   
$14.99 per 750 ml

   A dark Zin with heady aromas of black cherry, eucalyptus, cocoa and mint and flavors of black cherry, plum, vanilla and black pepper. A bit of Syrah in the blend adds roundness and length to the wine. Sin Zin’s ability to pair with so many different foods may be a reason it remains one of the most popular Zins ordered in America’s restaurants. Try the 2008 with braised duck tacos or soy and chili infused chicken thighs.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #18 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Product:  
Region:  
Price:   
$ per

   

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #17 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Zynthesis
Product:  
2009 Old Vines Zinfandel
Region:  
Lodi, California, U.S.
Price:   
$14.99 per 750 ml

   Hypotizingly delicious, the black-fruited Zynthesis Old Vine Zinfandel packs the palate with enticing and lasting richness; long finish.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #16 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Marietta Cellars
Product:  
Lot #51 Old Vine Red
Region:  
California, U.S.
Price:   
$14.99 per 750 ml

   Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine that is round, smooth, Zinfandel-like, and noted for its balance, approachability, and consistency. It is primarily comprised of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane as well as smaller amounts of Cabernet and Syrah. Various Italian varietals round out the blend.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #15 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Rancho Zabaco
Product:  
2008 Heritage Vines Sonoma County Zinfandel
Region:  
Sonoma County, California, U.S.
Price:   
$12.49 per 750 ml

   The Sonoma Heritage Vines delivers an abundance of black fruits and spice, demonstrating the classic and distinctive characteristics of Zinfandel. The soft, plummy, and jammy flavors and textures make this wine not only approachable, but also versatile, allowing it to be paired with a wide range of foods.

88 points - Robert Parker Jr
"Slightly richer, the 2008 Zinfandel Heritage Vines may be even better than the 2007. Aromas of black cherries, raspberries, currants, incense, earth, pepper, and spice emerge from this wine." - Robert Parker Jr.
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #14 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Ravenswood
Product:  
2007 Zen of Zin
Region:  
Sonoma County, California, U.S.
Price:   
$8.99 per 750 ml

   This Zenful Zin has bright, ripe scents of cherry and strawberry jam; spice vanilla and orange peel complete the exotic aura. Very juicy, fresh, ripe and round flavors give the impression of boldness without heaviness. The finish is long, soft and flavorful.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #13 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Rombauer
Product:  
2007 Zinfandel
Region:  
California, U.S.
Price:   
$26.99 per 750 ml

   Opening with a burst, this wine boasts aromas of blackberry and boysenberry jam. On the palate, rich, juicy fruit loaded with ripe wild berries, plum, fig and black cherry flavors. Supple tannins and smooth oak notes show in the lush, mouth-filling finish. Our favorite pairings for this wine include braised short ribs over wild mushroom risotto, pizza, and pork tenderloin.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #12 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Oak Ridge
Product:  
2007 OZV Zinfandel
Region:  
Lodi, California, U.S.
Price:   
$13.99 per 750 ml

   A robust Zin from Lodi’s signature 50-100 year-old vines. Jammy with raspberry, milk chocolate and mocha flavors, soft tannins and a supple mouth feel. A delicious expression of Lodi’s unique terroir.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #11 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Four Vines
Product:  
2008 The Biker Zinfandel
Region:  
Paso Robles, California, U.S.
Price:   
$25.99 per 750 ml

   The Dusi and Preston Zin vineyards, with their rocky, calcareous soils, grow low yield vines, producing fruit of intense concentration. A splash of Mourvedre lends an extra kick in the mid-palate. The Biker has blackberry, anise spice and vanilla on the nose. Rich, black fruit and spice, lingering to a silky vanilla oak finish. Biker rocks!

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #10 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Rosenblum
Product:  
Vintners Cuvee Zinfandel XXXI
Region:  
California, U.S.
Price:   
$7.99 per 750 ml

   The Cuvée XXXI features aromas of black cherry, blackberry and raspberry, as well as spice and vanilla overtones. Medium-bodied and replete with acidity, this food-friendly wine pairs well with pizza, pasta, barbecue meats and poultry, as well as Italian and Mediterranean style foods.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #9 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Brazin
Product:  
2007 Old Vines Lodi Zinfandel
Region:  
Lodi, California, U.S.
Price:   
$12.99 per 750 ml

   Once your eyes glimpse Brazin’s deep and inky color, they’ll alert your other senses to fasten their seat belts. Big, bold aromas of spice and mocha fill your nose, while intense flavors of plum and chocolate, rich tannins and vanilla mocha notes rock your palate. Brazin is not a wine to be rushed – don’t be afraid to savor its long, lingering finish. Be Brazin with your meals and serve with saucy ribs, a juicy pepper steak, pasta with spicy red sauce or pizza with the works!

86 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Peppery and hot, almost Porty, with rich flavors of blackberries, cherries, chocolate, bacon and sandalwood. With smooth tannins, it turns soft and spicy on the finish." - Wine Enthusiast
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #8 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Brazin
Product:  
2007 Old Vines Dry Creek Zinfandel
Region:  
Dry Creek, California, U.S.
Price:   
$14.99 per 750 ml

   Truly a dangerously good Zin, Brazin Dry Creek is a full-bodied wine with a nose of black cherry and hints of minerality and black pepper. Bold fruit flavor carries through to the palate where it mingles with notes of cinnamon spice and toasted vanilla. Be daring in your pairings and sip alongside flavorful cuisine such as tandori chicken or sizzling Korean beef skewers.

86 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Dark, big, rich and tannic, but savory in ripe red currants and licorice, this slightly rustic Zin will pair well with rich meats and cheeses and especially barbecue." - Wine Enthusiast
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #7 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Dynamite
Product:  
2008 Zinfandel
Region:  
Mendocino County, California, U.S.
Price:   
$8.99 per 750 ml

   Bright, spicy cherry, raspberry and red plum fruit shaded with light vanilla and oak notes characterize the aromas of our Zinfandel. The vibrant fruit aromas echo in the flavors and are enhanced in the mouth by a touch of licorice, lively acidity and soft ripe tannins.

Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #6 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Frank Family
Product:  
2007 Napa Zinfandel
Region:  
Napa Valley, California, U.S.
Price:   
$32.99 per 750 ml

   This Napa Valley Zinfandel has a scarlet color with a dark purple hue. The aromas are vibrant, opening with juicy black cherries, raspberry, candied ginger and cinnamon sticks. Further depth evolves as aromas of blackberry pie, spice cake, white peppercorns and grilled figs emerge. The palate is abundant and layered; up front it is loaded with ripe fruit, chocolate and roasted nuts, followed by a chewy richness where dried fruit and sweet Asian spiced short ribs are uncovered. The structure is outstanding with complex tannins that provide exceptional weight and a long lingering finish.

89 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Intensely fruity, showing a burst of blackberries, cherries and raspberries, with all sorts of mocha, currant, anise, sandalwood and spice complexities. Fully dry, the wine shows sturdy tannins and an elegant mouthfeel. Drink now for its fruity richness." - Wine Enthusiast
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #5 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Peachy Canyon
Product:  
2006 Incredible Red Zinfandel
Region:  
Pasa Robles, California, U.S.
Price:   
$9.99 per 750 ml

   Medium garnet color. This Zinfandel blend is from different vineyards located primarily on the East side of Paso Robles, and is dominated by beautiful fruit aromas. Gooseberry and fresh Raspberry are especially noticeable. There is also a hit of black pepper. The spiciness of this wine becomes obvious in the mouth. The palate is very round and supple. It is well balanced, with good acidity.

84 Points - Wine Spectator
"Tart and zesty, with plum and smoky licorice aromas and easygoing cherry and spice flavors." - Wine Spectator
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #4 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Klinker Brick
Product:  
2007 Old Vine Zinfandel
Region:  
Lodi, California, U.S.
Price:   
$16.99 per 750 ml

   Showing typical Klinker Brick cherry/berry/plum fruit components with aromatic spices on the nose, this wine is incredibly well balanced with a silky smooth texture and a long lingering finish.

84 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Aromas and flavors of fennel, black cherries, raspberries and chocolate mark this soft, easy Zin. Nice with a juicy cheeseburger slathered with ketchup." - Wine Enthusiast
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #3 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Edmeades
Product:  
2007 Mendocino Zinfandel
Region:  
Mendocino, California, U.S.
Price:   
$15.99 per 750 ml

   The tannins are soft and supple, but the acidity comes through with a bit more acid structure than in past vintages and stays with you till the cows come home. We always add a little Syrah and Petite Sirah for the mid palate, filling in the hole of the doughnut, but this year it is a little more pronounced in the flavors and aromas, hence the gamey and meatiness underneath all the mixed fruits. With aging the wine should evolve into a very layered and complex Zinfandel, with toast and spice from the oak picking up in intensity and the creaminess becoming more apparent after a few years.

87 Points - Wine Enthusiast
90 points - Robert Parker Jr
"The 2007 Zinfandel Mendocino is a super-generic cuvee boasting a deep ruby hue as well as a stunning nose of sweet, briery black cherries, black currants, spice, and an underlying floral character. Abundant flavor, medium to full body, impressive purity, and fine elegance suggest this delicious Zinfandel should drink well for 2-3 years." - Robert Parker Jr.

"Bring on the barbecue for this explosive, high-octane Zin. Ripe to the point of overripe, it shows flavors of blackberries, currants, cassis and raisins, liberally dusted with crushed black pepper and unsweetened cocoa. The bigtime tannins will cut through rich meats slathered in BBQ sauce." - Wine Enthusiast
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

The #2 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Cline
Product:  
2008 California Zinfandel
Region:  
California, U.S.
Price:   
$8.99 per 750 ml

   As always the California Zinfandel is a challenging and rewarding wine to produce. Severe selection criteria and master blending show in the final product, which showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Additionally, spice notes and a lasting finish of vanilla from oak aging and firm, supple tannins add complexity to this wine. This wine is ready to drink now and will continue to develop complexity over the next three to four years.

85 Points - Wine Spectator
"Juicy and user-friendly, with modest cherry vanilla and spice notes." - Wine Spectator
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.

And the #1 Wine of the Month

Producer:  
Seghesio
Product:  
2008 Sonoma Zinfandel
Region:  
Sonoma County, California, U.S.
Price:   
$21.99 per 750 ml

   This Sonoma Zin is a collage of Northern Sonoma's vineyard landscape. While primarily estate grown, Seghesio purchased additional fruit from growers to meet an ever-increasing demand for this substantial wine. The extra steps they want growers to take to produce high quality fruit are not readily accepted by many. Their growers comprehend that timely canopy management throughout the growing season is required to produce high quality fruit. Embracing Seghesio's quality only viticultural standards is more costly and the grower ends up with less crop. The payoff, obviously, is in the bottle.

88 Points - Wine Spectator
89 points - Robert Parker Jr
"The 2008 Zinfandel Sonoma offers up copious amounts of blue, red, and black fruits as well as excellent purity, medium to full body, a supple texture, and enough acidity to provide vibrancy. It is a pure, elegant, substantial Zinfandel to drink over the next 3-4 years." - Robert Parker Jr.

"Briary and zesty, with dried sage and wild berry aromas and tightly wound cracked pepper, dried cherry and licorice flavors that finish with slightly rustic tannins. Best from 2011 through 2014." - Wine Spectator
Please note that prices are subject to change, and that prices listed here may not be accurate.
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