Beran Zinfandel 2012 Napa Valley

The 2012 Beran Napa Zinfandel is so different from the Zins that I cut my teeth on when I first started drinking wines, some 40 years ago. In those days the wines were in the 12-13% alcohol range, and the best of them were pretty okay. This wine—weighing in at 15.4%—has become the standard that today's wine drinkers find enjoyable. Loaded with berries, smooth on the palate, and just a touch sweet, this looks like a match with baby back ribs and a slightly sweet barbecue sauce. Drinks well now. (Tasted: September 21, 2016, San Francisco, CA)