which Zinfandel is best???

[misanne]

Hi, all I am new to wine. To make a long story short, I'm tring to impress a guy by suprising him with a bottle of his favorite wine. He likes red wine, Zinfandel, but I have no idea what to buy!!! Can some one help me out, please
Anne

[Innkeeper]

Hi Anne, and welcome to the Wine Board. Not knowing where you are from, gives us a problem on availability. An excellent one that is widely distributed is 2002 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel.

[wineguruchgo]

If for some reason you have trouble finding that one another really good Zin producer is Cline.

[mrdutton]

Cline is a darn good producer of Zin. You might also look for a Rancho Zabacco. Both of these wines should be available just about anywhere as they are widely distributed.

[misanne]

Thank you for the information, sorry i did not mention it before I am from Jackson MS. And there is one more question, about how much should I spend, and as far as the Seghesio,Cline, and Rancho Zabacco, these are brands right? What about particular flavors within the brands? Forgive me if these questions sound really elementry. The only wine I taste is in Church. LOL. Your suggestions are welcome.

Thanks
I would like to at least act like I know what I am talking about when I do this.

[Innkeeper]

All the wines recommended are in the $10-$12 range. There are two tiers fo the Rancho Zabaco. The Dancing Bull, California runs around $10 and the Sonoma Heritage, Sonomoa County runs around $12. All four of these wines are different, otherwise there would be no sense making different wines. Some common characteristics of red zinfandel are black fruit (berries, or cherries, or other) and spice (various, depending on brand). It is the spice that allows zin to match nicely with spicy foods. If we are just having grilled steak we will usually drink a cabernet sauvigonon or blend thereof with it. However if the steak has been in a spicy marinade or has a similar sauce on it, we will drink red zin with it.

[thewoodman]

Anyhting by Rosenblum is generally good. In the $20+ range Carla's Vineyard zin is especially good. I'd be impressed if you bought it for me.