Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County (California) Zinfandel 2016

 Full disclosure, I’m not a fan of Zinfandel.  So, it’s a dilemma when I come across one like this.  I don’t personally like it, but that’s beside the point.  It’s really good wine — a fine expression of Zinfandel.  Sure, it’s bold — it is Zinfandel, after all — but tips the stated-alcohol scales at under 15%, which some would say makes it a bantam-weight for that varietal.   It delivers brambly, briary. black fruit flavors with a pleasant hint of sweetness.  There are no sharp edges here.  It would be perfect for barbeque or even spiced Szechuan fare.