WineLovers Discussion Group

Anyone have pointers to interesting Zin producers in the CA north coast area? I'll be heading out there for a vacation around labor day and would love some recommendations on obscure-but-artisan Zins that I'd be unlikely to find in my local wine store.

As a point of reference, my main interests are Burgundy and Zin...so when I go Zin I'm looking for TOTAL reversal from Burgundy. I want complexity for sure...completely burial of all nuance in oak is of zero interest...but I want something with some SERIOUS heft, too.

For instance, I like Ridge and appreciate what they do...but sometimes their stuff is almost too finessed for me. OTOH, I really dig the Biale Zins. So that may help level-set what I'm hoping to find more of.

Looking forward to the input!

Thanks,
Will

Sorry, I don't have any Zin advice for you WK, but saw that you just got here and wanted to extend you a warm welcome to the friendliest wine board on the net.
Now come on guys - how about some help for our new friend.

Try Elyse (Howell Mtn area), Downing Family (Oakville), and Chateau Potelle (Mt. Veeder). Also, Ch. Montelena is one of the best visits in the valley and their zin is pretty tasty, too.

William K wrote:Anyone have pointers to interesting Zin producers in the CA north coast area? I'll be heading out there for a vacation around labor day and would love some recommendations on obscure-but-artisan Zins that I'd be unlikely to find in my local wine store.

Well, one man's obscure... And are you limiting yourself to Napa or are you willing to visit Sonoma, too? In Napa, one of my favorite Zin producers is Storybook Mountain (by appointment only), definitely not overwooded. In Sonoma, I'd suggest you try Joseph Swan, Dry Creek Vineyards and Cline in addition to the usual suspects. Ridge's Lytton Springs Road tasting room is well worth the visit as they often have an older bottle open for tasting.

Have fun!
Mark Lipton

If you're up towards Calistoga, look up T-Vine. Great stuff. And for a totally unique experience, go see Vince Tofanelli. You can get hold of him through his webpage at http://www.tofanelliwine.com/

Both will require appointments. Both are well worth it.


Mike

I want something with some SERIOUS heft, too.

By this, I assume you are looking for kick-ass, blow-your-hair-back Zinfandels from Napa/Sonoma. Two names readily come to mind -- Carol Shelton and Turley. Novy and Rosenblum make some pretty big stuff as well.

I've always like the zins produced by Scott Harvey, formerly of Folie à Deux. I don't quite where he's making his wines lately, but I heard someone say he was using or had used the facilities at the Larson Family Winery. Anyway, his website is Scott Harvey Wines and he makes wine from grapes from both Amador and Napa. His zin is worth a taste or two.