Opolo Vineyards, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) Zinfandel “Summit Creek” 2023 ($19)

This vintage release is a bit of an outlier for this bottling, which usually tends to be more reined in. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course. This leans toward the flagship Mountain Zinfandel in character, with cinnamon spice, evident heat and uber-ripe fruit. Some pepper comes forward in the finish which helps keep it from flying apart – fans of this style abound, and for good reason. Drink now.
91 Rich Cook