The other is the rising prices of premium zinfandel. Zinfandel, once the red-wine stepchild that went into thousands of tanks of plonk to give that mediocre juice flavor, body and color, is now a major California wine player. And the prices reflect that. Maybe those tariffs aren't in the idiotic stratosphere of cult cabernets and overblown chardonnays, but they're getting darned pricey, folks. That said, here are a few zinfandels that may prove of interest to you zin lovers out there.
Prices are approximate retail.
Textbook Dry Creek zinfandel from Sonoma County. It's difficult to really screw up inexpensive zinfandel, but it's difficult to make a really impressive wine out of the inexpensive stuff, too. These are due to be released April 1. I only wrote down one word in my tasting notes and can't repeat it here. But remember, should you plan to make the trek next year, go prepared.