Jigar Wines Zinfandel Tollini Vineyard Redwood Valley Mendocino County 2019

This is one of the most smartly balanced, gratifying Zinfandels we’ve tasted in ages. It comes from the dry-farmed, organic Tollini Vineyard in Redwood Valley. How is it only $13? Never mind, just get a case of this absolute pleasure!

Few things warm our hearts like seeing an old-school, head-trained Zinfandel vineyard on red clay benchland. But sometimes, the wine produced from that classic, rustic scene will be a little too raisiny and syrupy. Not this one though! Not at all. It gracefully walks the line between juicy fruit and savory notes. Easygoing generosity and layered nuance. Thank you, Jigar Wines, for looking away from your brilliant Pinots just long enough to come up with this terrific 2019 Zin. 

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable bottle for $12.95. Order at least six to snag that deal plus free shipping – but as we said, this one is worth getting twelve of. Single vineyard!

The esteemed Tollini Vineyard is up in Redwood Valley, 35 miles inland, where Mendocino’s ocean-washed bohemian tendrils give way to a more Western feel. The air is drier and warmer. The sky looks bigger. The Black Bart Parade celebrates the witty, non-lethal stagecoach robber who plied his trade there in the 1870s. And the Zinfandel is top-notch. This 2019 is beautifully aromatic – blessed by the year’s mild summer and long growing season. 

Black raspberry, boysenberry, and black pepper swim out of the glass. The palate is a rich harmony of Bing cherry, tarragon, licorice, mocha, and chaparral. Six years past harvest, the tannins are soft, and there’s just a hint of oak. And we’re loving that 6% Petite Sirah on the grippy, deep, spicy finish. This would be great with BBQ ribs or eggplant stir-fry. Or, at this price, whenever! Incredible value. We have just two stacks of cases left, so go get it.