Now that spring has finally arrived,it’s time to dust off the old grill and start cooking up an array of yummy BBQ dishes. Of course, with a robustly flavored dish, one wants a bold wine, like Zinfandel.  Here are a few that our tasting panel enjoyed for under $20.

St. Francis “Old Vines” 2015 Zinfandel

Grape(s): Zinfandel

Region: Sonoma County Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

The nose is ripe with cherry, raspberry, and blackberry notes blending among hints of toasty oak and nutmeg. Lush fruit is at the forefront of the palate, with cherries and raspberries leading the way, and toasty spice, alongside vanilla, backing that up. Supple tannins and nice fruit make this a great wine for BBQ.

Rating: 89

Dry Creek Vineyard 2016 “Heritage” Zinfandel

Grape(s): 79% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, & 1% Primitivo

Region: Sonoma County, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of blackberries, cherries, and raspberries combine with nuances of pepper and all-spice on the nose. Refined tannins frame flavors of blackberry, cherry, and plum that flow into hints of dark chocolate, toasty oak, and spice. A good balance of fruity and spicy, this Zin will pair well with zesty BBQ.

Rating: 90

Napa Cellars 2015 Zinfandel

Grape(s): 85% Zinfandel & 15% Petite Sirah

Region: Napa Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

One is greeted by notes of bing cherries, blackberries, spice, and licorice on the nose. Supple fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry, and plum meld with elements of clove, anise, and tobacco on the palate. With refined tannins and solid complexity for it’s price point, this Zin is ideal for most BBQ dishes you might serve.

Rating: 89