Hard Lessons

The 2020 and 2021 vintages tested the mettle of California's Zinfandel producers

The gnarly old vines of Turley's Pesenti vineyard
The gnarly old vines of Turley's Pesenti vineyard in Paso Robles yielded a concentrated and broad-shouldered Zin from the outstanding 2021 vintage. (Courtesy of Turley)

The 2020 and 2021 vintages tested the mettle of California's Zinfandel producers, says senior editor Tim Fish, though top bottlings and good values are still available. Get his take on the vintages, plus scores and tasting notes for red wines from Bedrock, Carlisle, Turley, Ridge, Seghesio and more.

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