California Zinfandel is a winter time favorite for manu wine lovers in our Valley. They are usualy more full-bodied with darker fruit flavors, an intermediate to bold spice component, and a higher alcohol content. All of this adds up to a pleasurable drinking experience when the weather outside is frightful.

Here's a look at five California Zins that showed well at a recent tasting:

2012 Tresaure Hunter "11th Hour" Zinfandel - Dry Creek Valley 

2010 DeLoach Vineyards Zinfandel - Russian River Valley (Sonoma)

2011 Maggio Old Vine Zinfandel - Lodi

2012 Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel - Paso Robles

2013 Cline "Ancient Vines" Zinfandel - Contra Costa County

I hope you enjoy thse five bolder reds as part of your efforts to keep warm this winter. I highly recommend you enjoy them with a heartier meal like beef stew, lamb, or strip steak