Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley (California) Zinfandel 2009

By way of full disclosure, I’m not a fan of Zinfandel, especially those that weigh in over 15% stated alcohol, as does this one (15.3%). But year after year, Grgich intertwines power and grace — words not usually in the same sentence when describing Zinfandel — in this varietal. Although bigger and bolder than the terrific 2007, it still conveys layers of flavor — briary fruit, spice and even hints of chocolate. Try it with hearty wintery fare.