The Federalist Zinfandel 2018 750ml

The Federalist Zinfandel 2018 is a full-bodied red sourced from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, an appellation known for growing some of California's best old-vine Zinfandel. The nose leads with ripe blackberry, raspberry, and baking spice, and the palate turns rich and jammy, with blackberry compote, a streak of dark chocolate, and pepper on the back end. Oak lingers through a long, smooth finish without ever turning bitter. It's a bigger, spicier Zinfandel built for someone who wants a glass that stands up to a plate of barbecue rather than fades into the background.

How to drink The Federalist Zinfandel

Pour it at cellar temperature, not fridge-cold — this Zin has enough spice and dark fruit that a chill just mutes it. It's a barbecue wine first: ribs, brisket, or anything with a char get along with the pepper note better than delicate dishes do. Skip the ice; if you want it cooler, ten minutes in the fridge is plenty.

Zinfandel