Some Zins push the limits with hair-raising alcohol levels and syrupy ripeness. This is NOT one of those. However, it does have all things we love in pedigreed, dead serious single-vineyard, high-elevation Zin.

Like big points and down to $30 from the $45 winery price, for starters.

Grist Vineyard powers some insanely consistent and delicious Zinfandels by Turley Wine Cellars, Gary Farrell, Ousterhout, and Day (Failla). Grown at 1,100 feet above sea level from vines planted in 1970, organically farmed in red volcanic soils under that hot Dry Creek sun. In other words, heaven for some juicy good Zin.

Joseph Jewell started as a garagiste winemaker - literally making wine in his garage in Windsor, CA. Fun fact: co-owner Micah Wirth, one-half of Joseph Jewell makes wine for Gary Farrell and Ousterhout and he worked at Gary Farrell. At Joseph Jewell he and Adrian Manspeaker focus on three grapes primarily: Zinfandel, Pinot, and Chardonnay.

Toasty, rich, vibrant, and spicy. This checks all the boxes. Can’t top the winery’s own description: “A wine that beckons with aromas of tart cranberry, candied raspberry, baked cherry pie, candied orange peel, cured salami, clove, tingling wormwood, and hints of Chartreuse spices.” Might add a little fig and black pepper in there, but otherwise, they nailed it. This makes an ideal companion for anything you’re smoking on the Traeger or grilling on the Weber this summer.

Or check out some of Adrian’s own recommendations here.

But do that after you grab what you can. Remember Beekeeper? Cultsy Zins like these have their way of disappearing fast around here.

92 points – Wine Enthusiast

“Tart, tannic, youthful and powerful, this balanced red wine offers understated elegance and delicate texture, its fruit defined in sanguine currant and plum. Sleek and soft on the palate, it leads to an integrated finish of baking spice, toasted oak and leather.”