About Zinfandel and Mediterranean Red Wines from USA

About Zinfandel  and  Mediterranean Red Wines from USA
The United States is one of the most important players in the wine industry. On sheer numbers alone, the US is the fourth largest country in terms of total production; but it is the outstanding quality of wines from the US that is an additional part of its worldwide prestige. While the first wines produced in the colonies date back to the late 18th century, it has only been since the mid-1960s that the US has entered the premium wine market on a large scale. California, especially Napa Valley and Sonoma County were the areas that drove the new quality movement. Other areas in California also were home to great wines; soon Washington and Oregon were home to first-class wines as well. New York State, especially the Finger Lakes are was rediscovered for its Rieslings and soon wineries started opening in states such as Texas, Virginia and North Carolina. Today, 90% of domestic premium wine is produced in California and there are several wine types that share the spotlight; these include Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Pinot Noir from Sonoma's Russian River Valley as well as Santa Barbara County and Chardonnay from several regions, such as Monterey and Sonoma County. Bordeaux-styles reds from Washington State have received great acclaim as have Oregon Pinot Noirs. Today, the United States is in an enviable position of being one of the largest producers of wine as well as one of the most celebrated.

Top Picks for USA

Zinfandel and Mediterranean Red Wines

Jarvis 2020  Tempranillo
93 points
$120
Juicy, ripe, slightly boozy, and oaky with excellent complexity and balance therein.
Kirkland Signature 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel
92 points
$9
Best Buy
A Zinfandel that is bigger than life with rich fruit flavors and a creamy texture; a certain crowd pleaser.
92 points $9 Best Buy
Spangler 2018 Khayams Block Dolcetto
92 points
$29
Highly interesting and absolutely unique with vibrant blackberry and mulling spices led by nutmeg; for your wine exploration fun.
Mari Vineyards 2018 Estate Proserpina Red Blend Old Mission Peninsula
92 points
$50
A great wine to pair with grilled red meat.
Pedroncelli 2021 Courage Faloni Vineyard Zinfandel
91 points
$48
A red fruit driven Zin, approachable and in its prime, with lots of food pairing potential.
Jarvis 2019 Estate Tempranillo
91 points
$110
Would be curious to see how this resolves with aging; a subtle ripe Tempranillo character is currently secondary to some fine bold oak.
Sobon Estate 2021 Rocky Top Zinfandel
91 points
$20
An interesting Zinfandel-dominant blend that could be an everyday drinker but has enough depth, complexity, and structure to change and possibly improve with cellar time.
Shenandoah Vineyards 2020  Zinfandel
91 points
$24
Complex, layered, and interesting in a way that keeps you coming back for another sniff and another sip.
Savage Cellars 2019  Zinfandel
90 points
$65
A boisterous, in-your-face Napa Zin with boatloads of fruit and creamy oak; a must for Zin-heads.
Corner 103 2021  Zinfandel
90 points
$55
Grab this Zin and impress your friends with this crushable red.