If you’re a zin-fanatic strapped for cash, you’ve tapped into a wealth of wine within reach — $20 and under. Most of the zins listed below will be poured at this Saturday’s ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers) Tasting. These top-ranking zins were culled from my ZAP Preview blind tasting, which reeled in 300-plus bottles. These tasty zins make it possible to be prudent, yet pamper your palate at the same time. And for those with a joie de vie, these zins make great everyday wines, allowing you to uncork a bottle daily with dinner.
Who says you can’t budget good taste?
McNab Ridge, 2007 Mendocino, $18 (14.7 percent), 4.5 stars.
Alderbrook, 2007 Dry Creek Valley, $19, (14.9 percent), 4 star
Kenwood, 2007 Jack London Sonoma Valley, $20, (14.5 percent), 3.5 stars.
Gnarly Head, 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, $11, (16.5 percent), 3.5 stars..
Bogle Vineyards, 2007 California Old Vines, $11, (14.5 percent)., 3.5 stars.
Pedroncelli, 2007 Mother Clone, Dry Creek Valley, $15, (14.7 percent), 3.5 stars.
Calstar Cellars, 2006 Alta Zin, Cardanini Estate, $19, (15.4 percent.), 3.5 stars.
For more information about the tasting, visit www.zinfandel.org.