The Top Zinfandel Wines From The San Francisco International Wine Competition.

The San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) has released its 2024 wine competition winners. Five Zinfandel wines made the final rounds, with the top-ranked wine, Mettler Family Vineyards 2021 Epicenter Zinfandel, also winning Best in Show Red Wine. Below are brief descriptions of the wines and tasting notes.

The Zinfandel grape varietal is widely associated with California, where it has become one of the most iconic red wine varietals in the region. The grape’s origins trace back to Croatia, where it is known as Crljenak Kaštelanski. Italian immigrants most likely brought it to the United States in the 19th century and established it in California in the late 1800s.

Primitivo, an Italian grape variety with the same origins, has been shown by DNA testing to be genetically identical. Zinfandel is often called the “California grape,” as it has flourished and developed a strong identity in the state’s warm climate.

Zinfandel wines are renowned for their robust, fruit-forward flavors, which make them particularly appealing to wine enthusiasts. The flavor profile of these wines is influenced by the climate and winemaking style, resulting in diverse taste experiences.

The varietal is known for rich, ripe fruit flavors of blackberry, raspberry, plum, and black cherry. The wines can also feature licorice and sometimes dried herbs and woody brush notes. On occasion, higher-alcohol versions can show a slight alcoholic warmth in the nose.

The fruit can be jammier and more concentrated in warmer regions, especially in older, dry-farmed vineyards. Zinfandel wines are lighter and fresher in cooler climates, featuring brighter ripe fruit notes.

Zinfandel wines often have a distinctive spicy note, featuring black pepper, cinnamon, and clove flavors. Some expressions also exhibit smoky or earthy nuances, particularly when aged in oak barrels.

Zinfandel wines are celebrated for their rich, juicy character and complexity, inspiring wine enthusiasts to experiment with their pairings. They offer a mix of ripe fruit and spicy, earthy notes, making them a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, from grilled meats to barbecue and pizza.

Mettler Family Vineyards 2021 Epicenter Zinfandel

Mettler’s Epicenter was the top-ranked Zinfandel wine. The bottling also took Best in Show Red Wine in the 2025 SFIWC. The Judging Panel described the wine as expressing:

Focused, blackberry and dark fruit notes with a distinctive spicy edge, a ripe, well-integrated tannic backbone, and a notable alcoholic punch.

Four other Zinfandel wines made the final round of the SFIWC 2025 competition. Three of those wines were produced by the V Sattui winery.

Sattui is a renowned winery in St Helena in the heart of California’s Napa Valley. It’s known for its authentic Italian-inspired castle and its commitment to producing high-quality wines.

Founded by Dario Sattui, the winery blends old-world traditions with modern winemaking techniques. The estate’s 13th-century-style castle houses its wine production and tasting rooms. Its impressive architecture and beautiful grounds have made the winery a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and tourists.

V. Sattui Winery 2022 Ancient Vine Quaglia Vineyard Zinfandel

The SFIWC Judging Panel described the wine as expressing:

Flavors of light baking spices and assorted red fruits on the nose. The palate has a notable sweetness accompanied by red and black fruit notes, a crisp acidity, and a backbone of ripe tannins. The finish features a mild tartness that gradually turns sweet with lingering red fruit flavors.

V. Sattui Winery 2022 Ancient Vine Collins Family Vineyard Zinfandel

The SFIWC Judging Panel described this Zinfandel wine as featuring:

Ripe red fruits on the nose carry through onto the palate. It’s smooth and round with balanced acidity and ripe but distinctive tannins. The finish is long, pure, and unadulterated, with lingering ripe red fruit notes.

V. Sattui Winery 2022 Old Vine Glisson Zinfandel

The SFIWC Judging Panel described the wine as showcasing:

Cranberry pie, red berry notes, herbal/herbaceous notes, and a hint of seasoned oak.

Barefoot Cellars NV Zinfandel

The SFIWC described this low-priced but otherwise excellent Zinfandel as showcasing:

Fruity and jammy notes of red and black berries on the nose. It’s smooth on the palate with a pronounced, nicely balanced body and crisp acidity. The finish is long, with lingering, jammy red and black berry fruit notes.

VJB Cellars 2021 Estate Bottled Primitivo

VJB Cellars was the top-ranked Primitivo wine. The winery is in Kenwood, Sonoma County.

The SFIWC Judging Panel described the wine as featuring:

Fruity and jammy notes of red and black berries on the nose. It’s smooth on the palate with a pronounced, nicely balanced body and crisp acidity. The finish is long, with lingering, jammy red and black berry fruit notes.

The 2024 SFIWC showcased some outstanding Zinfandel and Primitivo wines, some remarkably well-priced. If you are a fan of Zinfandel wines, these wines are well worth exploring.

See also top Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir wines from the 2024 San Francisco International Wine Competition.