Rust Wine Co. 2014 Zinfandel - 91pts

Rust Wine Co. 2014 Zinfandel (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here 
Cost: $35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: October 19th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Zinfandel doesn't always work in BC, the vintage conditions and handling of the variety in the vineyard have to be just right, but when it does work, its memorable and worth seeking out, like this full-throttle 2014 edition from Rust Wine Co. Big and bold, despite its medium body and tannin structure, with intense, exotic spice, sweet pipe tobacco and red fruit aromas and flavours on the spill-out-of-the-glass nose and the mouth-watering palate. Not for the faint of heart (though, ready to go now). Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Peachy Canyon 2015 Westside Zinfandel - 90pts

Peachy Canyon 2015 Westside Zinfandel (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: Costco
Cost: $15-18 + taxes USD
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Big and fruity with more American V8, straight-forward power than finesse, this blend of 77% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Syrah, 7% Primitivo and 6% Alicante Pouschet is effortless to enjoy with juicy, black cherry and pruny, spiced plum fruit supported nicely by sweet peppercorn, minerals, oak and smoky anise aromas and flavours. The finish is long and spicy with mint and licorice lingering through to the next sip. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Michael David Winery 2012 Earthquake Zinfandel - 92pts

Michael David Winery 2012 Earthquake Zinfandel (Lodi AVA) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $41.99 + tax
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: July 8th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Wow. An Earthquake indeed. Your senses will be shaking after this one. Nose and palate are super intense with deep, dark fruit and menthol notes with added layers of liquorice allsorts candy, charred oak, flat spice, tobacco and plum sauce.

Amazingly, the 15.5% alcohol is effortlessly integrated, avoiding any obvious 'hotness' on the palate. Already aged beautifully at 4 years of age, with many years of life yet should you want to wait and tempt further development. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2012 Knotty Vines Zinfandel - 88pts

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2012 Knotty Vines Zinfandel (Sonoma County) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $20.89 + tax
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: May 16th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Hits you in the face, as many Zins do, with a powerful nose of puréed dark berry fruits, sweet peppercorn, vanilla-mocha and spicy oak aromas. Sourced from multiple Northern Sonoma vineyards, this Zin is full bodied from 15% alcohol and a touch of residual sugar, matching the intensity of the berry fruit flavours on offer. Wild berry acidity keeps the finish from feeling fat and layers of charred oak, vanilla, cranberry and pecan pie notes add depth and complexity.

Build on the charred oak flavours and pair with blackened, sweet'n'spicy BBQ meats. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Rombauer Vineyards 2011 Zinfandel - 91pts

Rombauer Vineyards 2011 Zinfandel (Napa Valley) California - USA

Availability: Limited. Private wine stores
Cost: $45-55
Alcohol: 15.9%
Date Tasted: April 4th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A powerful Zin with a robust, fruit-driven nose of blackberry, cherry, spearmint, herbs and chocolate covered cranberry aromas. A blend of 93% Zinfandel and 7% Petite Syrah sourced from vineyards in Napa Valley and beyond, this wine offers good continuity from the nose with added red fruit sweetness and peppery wood flavours on the intense, spicy palate. Manages its (nearly) 16% alcohol like a champ, never feeling 'hot' and staying well-balanced thanks to amble, raspberry acidity. The finish is long and mouth-watering with lingering peppercorn and plum notes. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Seghesio Family Vineyards 2011 Sonoma Zinfandel - 89pts

Seghesio Family Vineyards 2011 Sononma Zinfandel (Sonoma County) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $26-30
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This dark-ruby hued Zinfandel is a blend of multiple Sonoma County vineyards that makes a great entry-level wine into the world of premium Zins that lives beyond the realm of the ultra-jammy fruit bombs populated by the mass-produced "branded" wines. Intense, yet, layered with spicy dark plum, ripe cherry and light citrus aromas above present, yet, restrained oak-influenced notes. A similar palate follows offering great concentration, but never seeks to overwhelm, with mixed-berry and plum fruit flavours supported by moderate tannins and vibrant acidity - an all-round, well-balanced and tasty Zin. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Nine North Wine Co 2006 Hullabaloo - 87pts

Nine North Wine Co 2006 Hullabaloo (Napa Valley) California - USA

Availability: Select BCLDB sotes and fine wine shops.

Cost: $20-25

Alcohol: 14.6%

Date Tasted: March 27th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Zinfandels are a love'em or hate'em sort of wine - the Woody Allen of the wine world one might say. Personally, I love Zins (and Woody - although completely unrelated) but judging Zins is tough. Some standouts offer great complexity and the elite single-vineyard variety can offer a sense of place (often a warm and cozy place). However, many Zins are blended and their grapes are picked from multiple vineyards which dilutes the complexity, leaving us to judge the quality of the source fruit and the vinification.

This Zinfandel, named Hullabaloo, from Napa Valley vintners Nine North Wine Co is a wine that does not offer layers of complexity or a sense of place but it does come from excellent fruit that was handled skillfully. A classic Zinfandel in both aroma (boysenberry, dark cherries, nibs, anise and white pepper) and taste (red and dark berries with lingering spice). A solid wine that Zin lovers will enjoy - others may not. Drink now through 2014.
 - Liam Carrier

Paso Creek Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel - 83pts

Paso Creek Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: BC liquor stores

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 15%

Date Tasted: September 29th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A deep ruby, inky colour, this full-bodied Zin plays a medley of lovely fruity notes, but the song becomes a little repetitive. Youthful aromas of blueberry jam, pepper and cherries on the nose followed by flavours of vanilla, raisins and more pepper and blueberry jam on the palate. There's a whole lot of jam going on here, however, I would still call this wine well-balanced as the sticky fruit characters balance the very high alcohol. Medium acidity and tannins round out the long..., you guessed it, jammy finish.

This wine will need an accompaniment of cheesy, tomato-sauce lasagna to successfully carry a tune. Drink now. - LC