There's nothing like a good Zinfandel, except maybe a great Zinfandel. There were plenty of the latter on display at Elevating Zinfandel, a tasting event put on recently in Beverly Hills by Los Angeles wine educator
Ian Blackburn.
Beekeeper Cellars is the creation of our host, Mr. Blackburn. I remember telling him two years ago that his Zin could knock an unsuspecting Cab off of any steakhouse wine list. And it's just getting better.
Clay Mauritson is on the winemaking team at Beekeeper, in addition to making his own esteemed bottlings.
Beekeeper Zinfandel Montecillo Vineyard, Sonoma Valley 2015 - Awesome, mellow, ripe yet savory. 14% abv. $65
Beekeeper Zinfandel Secret Stones, Rockpile, Sonoma County 2016 - Similarly elegant as Montecillo, a bit more savory. $75
When I think of the Zinfandels I really like to drink, Turley Wine Cellars comes to mind quickly. They draw grapes from a variety of California vineyards, a listing of which reads like a "Who's Who" of grapevines.
Turley Juvenile, California 2017 - 24 vineyards over 12 counties. A floral nose, sweet and smooth.
Turley Kirschenmann Vineyard, Lodi 2017 and Turley Buck Cobb Vineyard 2017 are both extremely elegant.
Turley Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles 2017 - That trademark Paso limestone shows up here.
Elyse Winery
Elyse Morisoli 2013 - No heat, savory. $40
Elyse Korte 2013 - 80 year-old vines, savory. $40
Kreck
Kreck Old Vine Zinfandel Teldeschi Vineyard Dry Creek Valley 2016 - Sweet, light and mellow, raspberry finesse. $42
Kreck Old Vine Zinfandel Del Barba Vineyard Contra Costa County 2016 - 130 year-old vines from Oakley. Both 15% abv.
Portalupi Winery
Portalupi Old Vine Zinfandel Dolinsek Ranch, Russian River Valley 2016 - 112 year-old vines, chambord aromatics, rich and bold. $52
Portalupi Old Vine Zinfandel Dolinsek Ranch Reserve 2016 - The top 2 rows of the hill, 16% alcohol on both. neither shows heat. $90
Seghesio Family Vineyards
Seghesio Home Ranch Vineyard, Alexander Valley 2015 - Bold, with 7% Petite Sirah. $60
Seghesio Cortina, Dry Creek Valley 2015 - 1972 plantings, east bench, lovely savory bottom, white pepper. $33
Seghesio Old Vine Sonoma County 2015 - Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley fruit. Notes of chocolate. $40
Follow Randy Fuller on Twitter