Gehricke Sonoma Valley Zinfandel

Brought this to a cookout and it held its own against some spicy ribs—the blackberry fruit is rich but not jammy. The tannins give it real backbone without being harsh.

Poured this at a backyard cookout and it held its own against the smoky ribs without getting lost. The blackberry fruit is upfront, but that brambly edge keeps every sip interesting, and the structure really does stand up to anything on the grill.

That peppery kick on the finish is exactly what I look for in a Zinfandel, and it held up beautifully against some spicy ribs off the grill. The blackberry fruit is ripe but not jammy, with enough structure to make you slow down and savor each sip.