Kenwood 2009 Zin

Well this bottle was priced $29.99 at BevMo but with the 2nd bottle offered at 5 cents I gave it a try. I have been more attracted by the word "reserve" on the label than the brand which is likely more of a wine factory than a winery considering the volume produced: hundreds of thousands of cases every year come out of Kenwood Vineyards. For $30 a bottle this wine is definitely not a deal; at $15 it is correct even if it doesn't have any character for a zinfandel but it is pleasant to drink and doesn't leave a bad taste or headache afterwards. Unlike many Zins it would pair well with food (red meats in sauce) and the quality is probably consistent across the thousand of cases produced. Not my favorite but likely to please most.

Leonhardt zin 2007

Found at Trader's Joe for $12 something. Good enough, not too strong, easy to drink. It appears to be much more expensive at the winery! I will try it again for sure.

Good one to start 2012

Wow this was a treat brought by a friend who joined us for the first dinner of 2012. It is a blend from the Wind Gar winery which I never heard about before but absolutely delicious! Likely better than any other wines I had in 2011. It's a bit expensive though but for a special event it is worth the price ($50). We drank it with a rabbit in mustard sauce. Pretty light compared to the Zins I have been drinking lately, but so rich, complex and pleasant in mouth. Excellent memory.

Leese-Fitch 2008 Zin

Tried this one at a restaurant but it is available for less than $15 in stores. Very nice one for its price. Good description and online purchase available here.

Harding Zinfandel 2007

Another good zin for the price, especially the 5c deal at BevMo.

Fritz Zinfandel 2007

Good for the price, under $15 at Wine House (SF). Strong but easy to drink.

Wine Guerrilla, Zinfandel 2009

Nice Zin from Sonoma for under $15 at the Wine House (SF). Unlike other zins, this one pairs very well with all kind of food and is pleasant by itself as well.

Other wines from the same winery (http://www.wineguerrilla.com/) probably worth it to try...and very interesting labels as well.

Renwood Fiddletown, Zinfandel 2006

Renwood winery is offering a selection of Zins from low $10 to over $30. This one is under $20 and is very good. I recommend it.