#1 — Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel 2016     $15.99

​

WS 89 - Zesty and precise, with lively raspberry and toasty spice flavors than finish on a crisp, refined note. Drink now through 2023. 16,338 cases made. 

​

I ordered these wines from www.wine.com, using their search criteria to find zinfandels with Wine Spectator scores of 89 and above, and prices under $20.

#4 — Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2017        $19.99

​

WS 91 - Briary and vibrant, with zesty raspberry, toasted sage and cracked pepper flavors that take on richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025.

#2 — Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Zinfandel 2016            $17.99

​

WS 89 - Ultraripe and jammy, yet appealing for the bold blackberry and licorice flavors that finish on a plump, jammy note. Drink now through 2022. 7,660 cases made.

​

RP 90 - The 2016 Zinfandel is a rich, full-bodied but succulent wine, laden with aromas and flavors of brambly fruit, sweet spices and dark chocolate. Enjoy this nicely balanced, generous red over the next 2-3 years.

​

This one grew to be one of the night’s favorites. A bit too much tar and licorice for Rey and I at first, but then it opened up. By night’s end, we all joined Raj in loving it.

#3 — St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel 2016            $17.99

​

WS 90 - Boldly jammy and plump with fruit, this has just enough structure to stay interesting, with black cherry, toasty vanilla and pepper flavors. Drink now through 2024. 33,200 cases made.

#5 — Carol Shelton Wild Thing Zinfandel 2016            $18.99

​

WS 92 - Spirited and zesty, with lively cherry and smoky cracked pepper flavors that frolic on the long finish toward well-groomed tannins. Drink now through 2024. 8,220 cases made.

​

Perhaps the favorite of the evening. Similar to the Ancient Peaks (#2) but smoother.

#6 — Easton Amador County Zinfandel 2015            $19.99

​

WS 92 - Epitomizes fine Sierra Foothills Zinfandel, offering vibrant, briary raspberry, smoked pepper and wild sweet anise flavors that stretch out on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2023. 6,200 cases made.

​

Another winner. Although truly all of the six “Zesty” zins were highly drinkable!