Bonterra

In this all-around well-balanced Zin perfect for casual enjoyment, you'll find a plethora of aromas and flavors: fresh and dried black cherry, plum and currant, raisin, fresh and dried violets and a dusting of cacao and cinnamon spice—all leading toward a clean, medium-length finish.

McNab Ranch in Mendocino County boasts some 378 acres of organic vineyard and is home to most of the Bonterra zin. There's a bit of petite syrah and cabernet sauvignon in the mix. It's mostly dry farmed vineyards low yielding vines with no artificial irrigation. The wine spends 8 months in previously used oak barrels and is certified organic in the vineyard and in the bottle. Expect a very pure style zinfandel with smoky bramble berry fruit on the nose flecked with white pepper and toasted vanilla notes. The attack is rich round and powerful with sweet black fruit, black pepper, sweet, fine grained tannins and mocha /vanilla highlights. It is ready to drink now but will easily improve with another year or two in bottle.