The Climber 2010

As it becomes more and more difficult to find new Zin that I haven't tried yet, I am looking now into blends which contain zinfandel grappe. This one, The Climber, a blend of 5 different grappes including 50% of zin, was very nice for $12.99 at Berkeley Bowl. Not as heavy as an 100% zin, it is appropriate for pairing with many type of food from BBQ meat to cheese. While blends are most common in France, they are still rare in California but it seems the way to go, offering winemakers a wider range of options to craft complex and delicate wines (instead of using chemicals!). I will definitely explore more of these blends in the future.

Costco Zin Grandmere 2009

While I had a bad experience with wine bought at Costco (see previous post), I have to say that they are selling some very good wines at very good prices.
They are even selling wine under their own label "Kirkland" which was worth a try. Here I tried the old vine Zinfandel from Amador county named 'Grandmere'. The price was somewhere between $10 and $15 which in fact was a deal for the quality of this wine. It was a pleasant surprise and I will definitely get more of it next time I visit this store. More description on their blog.

the bad Ridge

May be I haven't been lucky on the bottle of this 2009 zin from Sable Ridge vineyards but I couldn't finish my glass :-( Good thing I bought it at Costco $13, almost half the price offered at the winery! It was fizzy on the tongue with unpleasant taste. I will not take the risk to try it again to confirm it was bad luck unless someone can share a good experience with it!

the good Ridge

This 2007 zinfandel was nice. not sure where it was purchased or how much it cost. I cannot even find a lot of info online about it...

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.

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.

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.

Saldo 2008

Minimal labeling but great zin inside; of course and again this is according to my taste i.e. this zinfandel, unlike others, was not tasting tar, gasoline, leather, pepper, skunk and other wonderful flavors usually associated with zins. Found at Whole Foods for over $25.

Quivira Dry Creek Zinfandel 2007

Strong fruity and flowery flavor, original but not my favorite style and not comparable to the Bucklin.

Bucklin Sonoma Zinfandel 2007

Excellent wine.

Unti, Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel 2006

A good one from the coming Zins.
Not sure if I found it at Berkeley Bowl or Whole Foods Oakland but a little more expensive than usual.
Not an expert with these flavors, grappes so no measurable criteria ;-)

Girard Zin 06

 Made from old vine, this one is amazing for a zinfandel which I'm not a fervent supporter.