Once again, I’m partnering with the venerable Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) to get tickets to the next ZAP festival into your hands (for free)!
In what will be one of the biggest giveaways ever conducted on 1WD, TWO lucky randomly-chosen readers will each receive four event tickets for some of the ZAP 2012 shindigs in San Francisco (by way of two tickets to two separate ZAP events), meaning that you and new or existing BFF can experience some of ZAP together for twice the vinous fun.
Here’s the deal – each of the two lucky winners in this giveaway will receive the following booty:
- TWO tickets to the wildly-popular EPICURIA Food & Zin Pairings event on Thursday, January 26 (6pm-9pm – a $250 value)
- TWO tickets to the Grand Tasting event on Saturday, January 28 (2pm-5pm – a $118 value).
You must be 21 or older (and so will your BFF!), and the giveaway covers tickets only (no travel, lodging, massages…). As I’m not (yet?) independently wealthy, rather than transport winners personally from any destination in the world to San Fran. via my sparkling clean white yacht staffed by Swedish swimsuit models, the winning peeps are totally on their own for any travel/expenses. Also, the giveaway is open to U.S. readers only (sorry again, loyal Estonian readers!). As always, if you win, you’re responsible for any taxes, personal expenses, whatnots, etc.
In last year’s giveaway, we generated a ton of great Zinfandel recommendations in the comments. For this year’s giveaway, I thought that we’d do something a little… different… YOU are also going to determine what Zins I review next on 1WineDude.com!…
Here’s how it’s gonna work this time:
- You (that includes you, surfing here from the office… shame on you…) leave a comment on this post telling me what Zinfandel you want me to review.
- In one week, I will randomly select two lucky winners, each of whom will receive 2 pair of ZAP event tix as described above!
- I will then be on the hook for a 1WD feature on the Zins recommended by the winners (timing contingent on me eventually getting my grubby little hands on those Zins, of course).
I think this will be fun, in that two people will win tix to this manic ZIN event, we all get some more killer Zin reco’s, and two of those reco’s will get featured here (eventually).
So… get crackin’ on the comments if you want a chance to win (and to put me to work)!
Cheers – and good luck!
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Comments
KSATX
I'd like to see you review Outpost Howell Mountain Zinfandel
1WineDude
A HM Zin? I like that idea!
Donna
Pezzi-King – Dry Creek Zin 2009
Selby – Old Vines Zin 2007
1WineDude
Thanks, Donna!
Tom Lee
2010 Brown Estate Zinfandel!
1WineDude
Thanks, Tom!
Larry Leichtman
Elyse Morisioli vineyards Zinfandel. One of my favorites though expensive.
1WineDude
Thanks, Larry – though maybe I should take that back if you win and I have to buy it…! :)
italianwinegeek
Ambyth Estate 2010 Bailey Zinfandel–No Added Sulfites, Organic (Paso Robles, Baby!)
1WineDude
italianwinegeek – thanks; would look forward to trying more Zin from Paso…
italianwinegeek
This is unlike any Zin you will ever taste from Paso too. (Aside from this promotion, let me know if you need a sample and I will facilitate. I love this winery.)
1WineDude
italianwinegeek – if you win, I may need the sample (assuming it will be difficult to find the wine in PA! :)
Becca Russell
Tres Sabores Zin is amazing and "certified" organically grown. It has a beautiful berry taste and is very reasonably priced. Thanks!
1WineDude
Becca – thanks, I have had Tres Sabores Zin including their stuff from Premiere NV and always found it to be interesting and expressive. Cheers!
Katie Kowinski
I am a HUGE fan of Tres Sabores. I am sure to stop by their booth every year at ZAP. It is easy to drink and a great price to boot.
1WineDude
Katie – when I visited there last year (I think it was last year, anyway! :) they had a steady stream of visitors braving the dirt roads to find them, all of whom were pretty hard-core fans of their Zins.
Morgan Moore
The Kilnker Brick zin is awesome and at a great price point!
1WineDude
Thanks, Morgan!
Jon Zeiger
Could you take a look at some Peachy Canyon Zins? Either the Incredible Red or the Westside? (those are the ones in my price range :P)
1WineDude
Thanks, Jon – if you win, I will be on the hook to do just that!
Sarah Bortz
How about the 2009 Turley Mead Ranch zinfandel (or a Turley zinfandel of your choice) ?
1WineDude
Thanks, Sarah – man, you folks sure are keeping this interesting!
Jerry
Okay Big Joe, I'm gonna recommend the 2009 Ridge Ponzo Zinfandel. It's pure deliciousness in a bottle. It's maybe a little more "fruit driven" than what I've come to expect from Ridge, but beyond the fruit it still offers some good spice and a moderate amount of complexity. In sum, it rocks!
1WineDude
Thanks, Jerry – rocking is welcome here. :)
1WineDude
Also, I need to point out that I am in fact very far from big! :-)
Mark Buckley
You have to try the new Cycles Gladiator Lodi 2009 Zinfandel
1WineDude
Thanks, Mark – finally, one option I might actually have a sample of already! :)
Mary
How about Grgich Hills Zin. Not my favorite label. (just not zany enough) But I have been learning about Biodynamic growing in Wine School and it sounds interesting. Also they might use some Petite Sirah in it, which is my new favorite grape.
1WineDude
Thanks, Mary – noted!
RichardPF
I want you to review Beringer White ZINFANDEL.
1WineDude
RichardPF – Good one, my wife had been wondering when someone was going to suggest that. And you know me – if you win, I *will* review that wine here!
Craig Cawelti
The Lucas Winery 2007 Zinstar Vineyard Lodi. David Lucas and Heather Pyle Lucas have once again produced a winner!
1WineDude
Thanks, Craig – been wondering when Lodi was gonna get more love in this contest. Cheers!
Todd
Chase Cellars 2007 and 2008 are superb. Enjoy
1WineDude
Thanks, Todd.
Elena Garcia
2009 Mountain Zinfandel from Opolo Vineyards…also from Paso Robles, CA – my hometown! :)
1WineDude
Thanks, Elana – Paso is running away with it here now! :)
Spillthewine
Here are a few Zin producers in the Healdsburg area that I like. Mauritson – Any of the Rockplie wines, Mazzocco – Maple, Pony, Stone, Paradise Ridge Convict, Rafanelli, Valdez, Stryker, Nalle to name a few.
Or maybe a write up on wineries that make zins form Rockpile grape. All zins from Rockpile are awesome and need more press.
1WineDude
Thanks, spill – Great nod to Rockpile there!
Gary
Will be sending you a bottle of our Zeductive – West Side Paso Zin blended with a little Russian River Petite Sirah. Sold out last year in 4 months and we just released and will be gone again. This time I am saving you a bottle. Cheers, g
1WineDude
Thanks, Gary – that doesn't up your chances for winning, but I appreciate it! :)
Philip Hinerman
Macchia Adventurous
1WineDude
Thanks, Philip!
borgeld63
Scott Harvey 2008 InZINerator
1WineDude
borgeld63 – Oh no, a cutesy-named Zin! ;-)
MikeZee
Easy one!!!……Hands down Bugay 2009 Sonoma Coast Zin, Its AWESOME!!! Dense, like me, but not so over extracted that it strips paint off the wall. Balanced and complete, yum, yum, yum.
1WineDude
Thanks, MikeZee!
MikeZee
Hate to post twice……."No I dont" just trying to get my hands on BOTH sets of tickets, Michael David 2009 Earthquake Zin, Good O'l Lodi comes to the fore!!! Mothers milk, the total package, meal in a glass, perfect rib-eye and Super bowl accompaniment. Oh yeah!!!!MikeZ
1WineDude
Thanks again, Mike – I have had the 2006 but not the 2009. Cheers!
Duende
I would like to hear a review of the Dark Star Zin out of Paso Robles. Their 07 struck me as great, their 08 & 09 still pretty good, What say you?
Dan
1WineDude
Duende – I say, thanks and if you win I will be on the hook to review those!
Marc Bryan Supsic
Vezer Family Vineyards is located in the Suisun Valley, outside of Napa. They are a smaller producer that has a kickass '06 Zin that I loved so much I brought a bottle back with me to PA.
1WineDude
Cool pick – thanks, Marc!
@WirtzbevRENO
First time commenter, recent @1winedude fanatic. There are so many fabulous Zins to review. I think it would be HILARIOUS and a good read for you to review some economy Zins… Your Franzia's, Barefoot's, Carlos Rossi's, Inglenook's, etc… I know that this will most likely not happen so in that case, my second choices would be Plungerhead Zin, Zin Your Face, & Klinker Brick. Thanks for all you do! – Alex
1WineDude
Thanks, @WirtzbevRENO – really appreciate the comment! And don’t be afraid to assign me anything, if you win I will be *on the hook* to review it here. Cheers!
Fred Aliano
Joe, I have a slightly different approach to this. I'd like to see a review of ANY Zinfandel from my favorite Russian River Valley Vineyard – Ponzo Likely suspects are Ridge, Pendleton, Hart's Desire.
1WineDude
Thanks, Fred – great idea!
Chrisie B
Turley Zin~ haven't gotten my hands on any lately.
1WineDude
Thanks, Chrisie – me either!
HomeSkillet
I can think of a Zin that has a certain Dragon on the label. … coming along very nicely and will never be featured at ZAP.
1WineDude
Matt – well, if you win now maybe you can auction your tix? :)
MattP
Lol Joe. Rather, i'd just have you give my tix to two of your best followers … my choices for Zin (excluding my own);
Turley Dogtown Lodi Zin (Templeton CA)
Dillian Zin (Amador CA) – http://www.dillianwines.com/
A. Rafanelli Zin (Sonoma, west dry creek) – http://arafanelliwinery.com/
Bella Zin (Sonoma, West dry creek) – http://www.bellawinery.com/
These are all top Zin's, made without RS and in traditional methods like mine.
Best –
Matt
Draconis
1WineDude
Have it your way, Matt. :) Thanks for the Zin picks – and if you win, I will pick one of these and donate the ZAP tix to a worthy 1WD reader’s purse or wallet. Cheers!
martindredmond
Dashe Cellars Les Enfants Terribles McFadden Farm Zin
1WineDude
Cheers, Martin!
Kim Suelzle
Any of Macchia's Zins, <3 them ! ; ) There is something for everyone there. Also, St. Amants Old Vine Zin. We seem to be partial to the Mohr Fry Ranch, but both are great. Are we talking about Zin ports too ? " Cheers"
1WineDude
Thanks, Kim – but if you win, I say that I am only on the hook to review ONE of those, okay? ;-) I had not mentioned the Port-style Zins, mostly because the majority of them that I encounter are terrible… but if you mention a specific one and you win, then I am on the hook to review it so fire away!
Kim Suelzle
I understand Wine Dude. No worries. Have you tried Macchia's "Dangerous" Port ? There is also,
Domaine Becquet Winery CA. The Tawny & Ruby are both lovely. Take your pick. Really sorry to hear you haven't found one to you'r liking. There's always next years quest. You have a tough job , have fun ! Enoy.
1WineDude
Kim – rough indeed. :) Thanks for those recos!
Sqomi
2009 Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel….please.
Kayla K
Todd Taylor Zinfendel, Clarksburg, CA- Great wines all red and made in very small quantities. http://www.Oldsugarmill.com
Kayla K
OH and Michael david earthquake zin 2009 super great wine! Lodi,CA
1WineDude
Thanks, Kayla!
Josh Wade
Alright my good sir. LOVE me a good Zin. I want you to review a PRIMITIVO from the great state of WA – Hard Row to Hoe's 2008 Primitivo to be precise.
Josh Wade
@nectarwine
1WineDude
Josh – excellent call (and way to be a homer :). Cheers!
1WineDude
Hey everyone – an update on this…
Instead of contacting the winners via email privately, I will first announce the winners – and therefore also the Zins for which I will be on the review hook – publicly here on Dec 14!
Good luck, all – and keep the comments coming, this giveaway is still live through Dec. 13, 2011!
bruce mueller
Ridge Lytton Springs is still the standard for me…..
1WineDude
Thanks, bruce!
Wine Tom
I heartily suggest Auriga's Zin from the Sierra Foothills. The '03 was my fav. The '05 won tons of awards. Haven't tried the current release yet. There is noticeable variation in jamminess from year to year. Back when I discovered the '03 I thought I had a secret find. Then the '05 started winning awards and the secret was out. Give Auriga a try.
Sarah
2009 Seghesio Old Vines Zin. Sooooooo delicious! Or the Rockpile. Also wonderful!
1WineDude
Thanks, Sarah!
hkremer
Any zinfandel from Contra Costa County or Livermore. Livermore could be Bent Creek, Fenestra, Mitchell Katz (or other). Contra Costa could be Rosenblum, Cline, or Viano :)
1WineDude
Thanks, Helen – nice shutout to Livermore, a very underrated area right now. Cheers!
Gina
Review the Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin!
1WineDude
Thanks, Gina – my understanding that some of the fruit going into that wine does (or used to, anyway) come from some old vines in Lodi, which could make it a pretty good bargain…
Scott
How about Bedrock Monte Rosso Zinfandel 2010.
1WineDude
Thanks, Scott – noted!
1WineDude
Last day, people!
BTW, my buddy Randy Caparoso has authored a very interesting piece on Zin and terroir, which you can (and should!) read at http://www.zinfandel.org/uploads/Sommelier%C2%B9s… . Randy will be leading a discussion at ZAP on Top Sommeliers Choices for Zin. Cheers!
Dave N
Klinker Brick Old Ghost Zinfandel would be a great zin for a review.
1WineDude
Thanks, Dave!
Helene Kremer
ooh, I remembered another off-the-beaten-path one: Shenandoah makes a great zin (Amador Co.) *i hope I win!* :)
1WineDude
Helene – thanks, *very* cool recommendation!
Larry Chandler
Biale Black Chicken, ripe and voluptuous. And on the opposite end, any Zin by Joseph Swan. His Zins are elegant, structured and have long life. If Bordeaux allowed Zinfandel, their top growths would be like his.
1WineDude
Thanks, Larry!
vtwinemedia
OK I'll kick in and help Joe over the century mark…
How about the Zins made by Oregon's Angel Vine from Washington state fruit?
Read about but have not tried.
1WineDude
vtwinemedia – Thanks! :) Those are new to me as well. cheers!
@VineBuzz
I recommend Cuvaison '09 Bald Mountain Vineyard (Mount Veeder AVA) Zinfandel. It's dry-farmed.
1WineDude
@VineBuzz – thanks!
Leilani Carrara
Well, Joe, since my first two choices are wine club only (Denner Vineyards and Cypher Winery ZinBitch), which I'd imagine you wouldn't review because most folks can't get it, I vote for one everyone CAN get, and should:
Judd's Hill Burkes Blazing Barbecue Old Vine Zinfandel. Great story, great Zin!
Can't wait to see what you select, because me likey the Zinnies! :)
1WineDude
Thanks, Leilani! I have had the ZinBitch I think at Cypher, need to check my notes on the Denner. But do NOT let that stop you – if you win and you want me to review club-only, then I am ON THE HOOK for procuring them somehow. Tough to go too far wrong with Judd’s Hill, they make some very nice juice. Cheers!
Mike Kraft
How about Frank Family Zin…my wife and I love it!
1WineDude
Thanks, Mike – you missed the giveaway by one day, though. :)
Michelle Johnston
Sobon Estates Reserve Zin, please. I tasted it at ZAP last year and loved it.
Mike Sterling
2008 Homefire of Sonoma Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel .. Exquisite, Impressive, Complex, Classic, Aromatically Erotic, Timeless, Age-worthy, Monstrous, Provocative, Addictive, Iconoclastic, Tastes of a Beautifully Unknown Origin .. along with some easily identifiable tastes like Berry, Cherry, Vanilla, Cocoa, Anise, Light Oak, and a sense of time and place that is only Dry Creek Valley.