Pedroncelli Winery, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Zinfandel 2012

Here’s a solid Zinfandel, though also one that needs food to really shine.  There aren’t too many producers that are sticking to this style when it comes to Zin.  It’s completely dry, showing blackberry, pepper and rich vanilla with touches of raspberry, leaf and fall spice.  Pair this up with a big, unsweetened red sauce pasta dish, or a pepper steak smothered in blue cheese butter and you’ll see what I mean.  The fruit will sing!