Mauritson Family Winery Mauritson Zinfandel 2018 750ml

This exuberant, complex red is made from a mix of estate vineyards as well as grower sites, like Treborce and Montecillo. While it is concentrated in black cherry, its soul leans more savory and herbal to display an understated elegance. (Virginie Boone)

From a selection of grower vineyards and blended with 15% Petite Sirah, this is a widely accessible and desirable wine that shows notes of crushed rock and dried herb. Concentrated flavors of blackberry and cherry combine well to offer richness and plenty of reward.

The 2018 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley contains 6% Petite Sirah. Medium ruby-purple, it has a nose of bright red fruits with nuances of burnt orange peel, earth and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, this entry-level Zinfandel is bright and lifted in the mouth with spicy stone-fruit character, a soft frame and long, juicy finish. Drink it over the next three to five years. 1,804 cases produced.

Moving to the reds, the 2018 Zinfandel Mauritson is 94% Zinfandel and 6% Petite Sirah, all from the Dry Creek Valley. Aged 14 months in French oak, its ruby/plum color is followed by a spicy, complex Zinfandel that has lots of red and black fruits, sandalwood, and incense aromas and flavors. Drink this nicely balanced, character-filled, impeccably made Zin any time over the coming 4–5 years. (Jeb Dunnuck)