1997 Fife Vineyards Zinfandel “Redhead Vineyard,” Mendocino

Fife Vineyards in Mendocino County has produced a terrific Zinfandel from their Redhead Vineyard. This cool-climate example is ripe but not over the top, as big-bodied zins tend to be. A deep stain of red, the 1997 Redhead Vineyard Zinfandel tastes of plums and berries and has a nice touch of spice. Mendocino’s cool climate gives it definition. Not for sipping on its own, this is a wine that needs food, the heartier the better. It’s an example of what a great food wine zin can be if it’s made without exaggerating its fruit and jamminess so that some terroir can come through.

About $28. Available at The Wine House, 2311 Cotner Ave., West L.A., (310) 479-3731 and most Bristol Farms and Whole Foods markets; and online at WinesPlus.com. If you can’t find this wine, have your local retailer contact Fife Vineyards at (707) 963-1534.