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 12th version of my Top 10 Zinfandel list. Use the search function to find older lists.
The Zinfandel Chronicles Top 10 Zinfandels of 2025
- 2023 Robert Biale Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard – 96 points
- 2023 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs – 96 points
- 2017 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Saitone Estate Vineyard – 95 points
- 2018 Turley Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard – 95 points
- 2022 Robert Biale Zinfandel Morisoli Vineyard – 95 points
- 2015 Ridge Vineyards 50th Anniversary Geyserville – 95 points
- 2018 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel – 95 points
- 2018 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Vineyard – 95 points
- 2019 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Marquis – 95 points
- 2021 Reichwage Zinfandel Mancini Ranch – 94 points
A few observations after compiling the list:
- Carlisle is the only winery represented in each list since 2014. The 2024 vintage will be the last full lineup from Mike Officer. Purchase accordingly.
- Papera Vineyard has been represented in every list since 2015 with wines from Bedrock, Carlisle and Williams Selyem.
- Mancini Ranch, Saitone Vineyard and Papera Vineyard are all located near the intersection of Piner and Olivet in the heart of the Russian River Valley.
- This was the first time a Zinfandel from Reichwage made my top 10.
- 2023 was an exceptional vintage for Zinfandel so stock up while you can.
Drop a comment below and let me know about the best Zinfandel you opened this year.