The fog-influenced Russian River Valley is primarily known for its superlative Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but there’s warm “sweet spot” on Limerick Lane for Zinfandel. Today’s budget-friendly Zin will be loved by fans of juicy, varietally-correct Zinfandel. This wine delivers real value at its low price. Be sure to stock up on this one. You’ll want plenty on hand for the warm weather and BBQs ahead.

Russian River Valley, with it’s cooler climes is best known for Pinot, but Viszlay Vineyards shows us that you can produce an incredibly rich and powerful fruit-forward Zinfandel in this banner Sonoma County appellation. It’s never too early to heat up that grill, and today’s wine is your BBQ’s new best friend.

This Zinfandel has a nice dark maroon core with a thin ruby lip. It opens up with a nose of holiday spice and clove with supporting fruit aromas of blackberry and boysenberry preserves, with an amazing hibiscus floral note. After taking a sip, you’ll find tasty flavors of vanilla, spice, and brambles with honeysuckle and dark, ripe black fruit. It drinks like a delicious Sonoma Zin, with brighter acid and warmer alcohol driving big fruit flavors that linger for a deliciously long finish. Yup - it’s BBQ time! If you haven’t tried your hand at a tri-tip with Santa Maria seasoning, now you’ve got the perfect excuse.