Best Zinfandel Wine Rated 90+ Points For Every Budget

While so many other wines having their roots in European soils, Zinfandel is often referred to as America’s Heritage Grape. The best Zinfandel seems to shine at its most powerful in the vineyards of California. Regions like Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma and Paso Robles continuously produce Zinfandel wines with jammy fruit flavors of blueberries and blackberries with smooth, luscious tannins. (Read More)

The old vine Zinfandel roots that still exist in California today are a holdover from prohibition days where Zinfandel was still consumed for communion wine. During the first American Wine Boom in the late 1800’s, Zinfandel was the most widely planted varietal and at one point was planted to almost 50,000 acres. Be sure to browse the best Zinfandel wines rated 90+ points and read expert descriptions about each bottle to quench your palate.

zinfandel rancho zabaco heritage vines 2010

2010 Rancho Zabaco

"Largely from the Russian River and Lodi areas, it possesses a dark ruby/plum color as well as notes of roasted herbs, underbrush, ground pepper, meaty, briery, black cherry and black currant fruit, and abundant spice."

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2010 Frei Brothers

"The outstanding 2010 Zinfandel, a blend of 97.5% Zinfandel and 2.5% Petite Sirah (one of Gallo’s favorite blending varietals), hit nearly 15% alcohol. Its dense purple color is accompanied by meaty boysenberry, black cherry and black currant fruit intertwined with notions of pepper and underbrush. Full-bodied with admirable texture as well as fruit, it should drink nicely for 3-4 years."

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2010 Rancho Zabaco

"Has aromas of blackberry jam, cassis and subtle black pepper. Intense flavors of dried black cherries and concentrated jam are supported by nuances of vanilla bean and toffee, creating a long, supple finish."

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2009 Westberg

"Vivid ruby. High-pitched aromas and flavors of redcurrant and cherry, with white pepper and floral notes adding complexity. Fresh and precise, with very good back-end lift and cut. Distinctly lively for a Paso Robles zin, with the balance to age."

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2009 Alexander Valley Vineyards

"A blend of small-berried fruit from a hillside vineyard with grapes from the valley floor, this is floral, intensely earthy and powerfully constricted. The blend creates full-bodied richness, bringing in some raisined character that adds complexity to the tighter fruit. A black wine with bountiful tannins to carry it in the cellar."

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2010 Frog's Leap

"Dried fruit flavors of figs and dates ... a liveliness and zesty minerality that keeps it grounded and firm. Think granite and pomegranate and you’ll be close to the flavors, theirspicy character peppering the smooth, supple texture."

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2008 Elyse

"This is a compelling wine graced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers, mint and licorice. It shows gorgeous finesse, plenty of mid-palate richness and terrific overall balance. Sweet floral notes and succulent black cherries wrap around the finish."

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2010 Frank Family

"Ripe and focused, with boysenberry and toffee aromas, offering layered huckleberry, pepper and fresh sage flavors. The tannins sneak in on the finish."

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heritage pagani ranch bedrock wine company 2011

2011 Bedrock Wine Co.

"This is huge. Black fruit, tar, smoke, licorice and asphalt burst from this deep, muscular, Zinfandel-based wine. Imposing and intense, the Pagani boasts stunning depth and richness for the year. This is a serious red that will require considerable patience. Seemingly endless layers of fruit open up over time, followed by suggestions of violets, cloves and mint that add complexity."

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zinfandel carlisle monte rosso vineyard 2010

2010 Carlisle

"Bright purple. Exotic, seductively perfumed bouquet of blueberry, boysenberry, cherry-cola and incense, with a spicy underpinning. Sweet and silky, offering spicy, deeply pitched dark berry flavors and a sexy floral nuance. Shows impressive energy as well as depth, finishing with excellent persistence and a touch of bitter chocolate."

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zinfandel carlisle bedrock vineyard 2010

2010 Carlisle

"Opaque purple. Blueberry, blackberry, violet, cracked pepper and bitter chocolate on the vibrant nose. Bright and spicy on entry, then supple and suave in the middle palate, offering flavors of candied dark berries, violet and bitter chocolate. Finishes very long and smooth, with gentle tannins and intense florality."

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90 points or higher for all budgets

We demystify the wine buying process so you can purchase knowing you are getting a superb, high quality wine. All of our wines are rated 90 points or higher by at least one of the following industry experts:

Why do points matter? Learn about the point system.

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