It is the time of the year where every wine blogger publishes their lists of Wines of the Year or Values of the Year, etc. Although I try to blog about all the wines I taste it is clear that Zinfandel is definitely my grape of choice. The link for each wine will take you to the detailed Bottle Note on Zinfandel Chronicles. All of the older wines were stored in my cellar since release. A few of the wines were samples provided by the winery. Wines that received the same score are not listed in any particular order. This is the 10th version of my Top 10 Zinfandel list. Use the search function to find older lists.
The Zinfandel Chronicles Top 10 Zinfandels of 2023
- 2015 Turley Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard – 97 points
- 2015 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Papera Ranch – 96 points
- 2021 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Paso Robles – 96 points
- 2015 Bucklin Ancient Field Blend Old Hill Ranch – 96 points
- 2018 Carlisle Zinfandel Pagani Ranch – 96 points
- 2016 Turley Zinfandel Mead Ranch – 95 points
- 2021 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard – 95 points
- 2017 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Rocky Knoll – 95 points
- 2018 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain – 95 points
- 2021 Ridge Geyserville – 95 points
A few observations after compiling the list:
- Carlisle is the only winery represented in each list since 2014.
- 2021 is another great year for Ridge Zins.
- Turley is back after not making the list for the first time last year.
- The Zins from 2015 have aged well.
- It is such a shame that Turley no longer makes a Mead Ranch Zinfandel.
- Papera Vineyard has been represented in every list since 2015 with wines from Bedrock, Carlisle and Williams Selyem.
Last year’s list can be found here.
What was the best Zinfandel you opened this year?
Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel