Wine Find | 2011 XYZin Old Vines Zinfandel

From: California

Price: $18

Serve with: Hearty stews, pasta dishes, pizza

This is a big charming bear of a red wine from Geyser Peak — burly but with a gentle soul. It's positively loaded with fruit, and it fully achieves the trick of seeming sweet without being sweet. There are lush flavors of blackberry, herbs and chocolate and a smooth texture that begs to be drunk — now!.

--Michael Dresser