House Of Zin

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend 2022

Day 1 of this year's Smallmouth Smackdown has begun. After 7 hours on the boat, and a dozen bass, it's time to crack into some libations (had a few PBR's on the boat).
This is a lush Zin. Concentrated fruit, but savory and chewy. Blackberry, blood orange, cigar box, and enough structure to age much longer. This is my 3rd Ridge Zin, and I'd have to say I still favor the Pagani Ranch.
Listening to Chris Stapleton
— 8 days ago

Pooneet, Somm and 22 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Dave, bravo my man!! The other advice you received is also great!! I think Pagani vs. Lytton Springs vs. Geyserville vs. any other Ridge Zin is often vintage, since they’re all blends!! (In fact, Geyserville never (mostly?) never says Zinfandel on the label since it very rarely (never?) is at least 75% Zinfandel, which is the CA requirement for varietal name on the label.
Dave

Dave

Thanks for the education! @Doug Powers

Broc Cellars

Vine Starr Sonoma County Zinfandel 2024

End of my Broc holiday shipment. Light and very tart zin. Blackberry, plum, and craisins. A bit of earthy spiciness, and faint char on the nose. 12.5% abv. With Gouda and mini toasts. One last indulgence before going back to the daily grind. — 5 months ago

Dave, ESF and 5 others liked this

Brown Estate

House of Brown California Chardonnay

BHM Wine Tasting @ Netflix — 3 years ago

Ridge Vineyards

Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel Blend

Well-balanced Zin blend. Some cherry, plum, tartness with a bit of vanilla. Medium to full bodied. Eich, but a relatively short and clean finish. — 2 months ago

Turley

Juvenile California Zinfandel 2014

Wonderful. Of course, it’s a Turley Zin. — 4 months ago

Bonnie Hodur
with Bonnie

A. Rafanelli

Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2023

Deep purple color. Aromas of blackberry jam, fresh violets and white pepper. Black fruit on the palate, vanilla and baking spices.

The standard for Zin in Sonoma County.

— 5 months ago

Shay, Tom and 10 others liked this

Seghesio Family Vineyards

Sonoma County Zinfandel 2022

ESF
9.0

So solid, year in year out - I know they make a ton of this, and yes it’s at Costco, but when you’re looking for a reliable Zin, this is it. Bordering on being too fruit forward - this barely checks the box for secondary aromas & flavors. Balanced harmonious with intermediate aging potential. Try to find their single vineyard offerings. — 2 years ago

Tom, Bob and 6 others liked this

Dry Creek Vineyard

Petite Zin Rosé of Zinfandel 2024

Aromas of ripe cherry and watermelon. Dry, but balanced. Slightly tart, and a very soft finish. Patio perfection. — 3 months ago

House of Arras

Méthode Traditionelle Tasmania Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay 2013

Arras — Blanc de Blancs 2013
Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺

Overview
A 100% Chardonnay traditional-method sparkling wine sourced broadly across Tasmania, aged extensively on lees for over five years prior to release, delivering depth, autolytic complexity, and finely tuned balance. Cool-climate fruit precision meets long cellar maturation for serious Champagne-caliber structure and finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive notes of toasted brioche, lemon curd, baked apple, almond pastry, and subtle chalky minerality lead the nose. Layers of fresh citrus peel, pear skin, and gentle hazelnut evolve with air, framed by savory yeast complexity and restrained creaminess. The palate delivers precision rather than sweetness, with purity and tension driving the finish.

Mouthfeel
Creamy yet lifted, with fine, persistent mousse and beautifully integrated autolytic weight. The texture feels polished and expansive without heaviness, supported by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine energetic, linear, and refreshingly dry through the finish.

Food Pairings
Oysters and shellfish. Butter-poached lobster or scallops. Parmesan risotto. Roast chicken with herbs. Triple-cream cheeses or aged Comté.

Verdict
A compelling expression of New World traditional-method excellence, delivering maturity, balance, and serious structural integrity. Rich without excess, nostalgic in its yeast-driven complexity, and confidently positioned alongside high-quality grower Champagne.

Did You Know?
Tasmania’s cool maritime climate and long growing season allow Chardonnay to retain high natural acidity while achieving full phenolic ripeness, making the region one of Australia’s strongest candidates for world-class traditional-method sparkling wines.

🍷 Personal Pick
Blanc de Blancs is my home base, and this bottle absolutely delivers. The autolytic depth, precision, and balance hit exactly the profile I love, serious, expressive, and quietly luxurious. A sparkling wine that rewards attention, not just celebration.
— 4 months ago

Freddy, Ted and 3 others liked this

Turley

Old Vines California Zinfandel 2018

8/2021. Nice Zin. Smooth and full of flavor. Never been disappointed by a Turley Zin. — 5 years ago

Rob, Milissa and 1 other liked this