2018 El Tiburon California 'Winemaker's Reserve' Zinfandel

Likewise, there is no unanimously accepted definition for the term “Winemaker’s Reserve.” But what we can tell you about the “Winemaker’s Reserve” Zinfandel from El Tiburon Cellars, which was crafted from “Old Vines” grapes, is that it is a cut above most Zins you’ll encounter.

As grapevines age, they gradually produce less and less fruit with each passing vintage. But the fruit they do produce is more concentrated in flavor, and that enables the vintners who work with it to craft more expressive wines. Winemaker Joe Otos lent his renowned skills to the 2018 vintage “Winemaker’s Reserve,” embracing a rich and concentrated style.

Among the descriptions noted by our tasting panel were “fruit bomb” and “just like a harvest pie.” It’s the perfect companion to barbecued ribs, and even can be served with a slight chill.