2021 Foppiano Vineyards Zinfandel Russian River Valley 750 ml

It was after hours at our favorite Sonoma chophouse, and while the servers polished glasses in the background, we chatted with the chef, an old friend. Conversation turned to what we did on those rare occasions when we had the house to ourselves. No kids, no partner, nowhere to be.

Chef grinned and broke out the secret of what he called his DHA Special—Dad Home Alone. This involved dry-brining the biggest T-bone steak he could haul home, a fistful of crushed black peppercorns, a ripping hot cast iron pan, and lots of basting with butter, rosemary, and garlic.

“Then, turn on a game, or maybe Heat, and pop open this guy.” 

He meant this wine, which had just done bonkers business on the by-the-glass list that night. 

Crafted by one of the founding members of the Russian River Valley AVA, it’s made from all estate fruit off vines planted 60+ years ago on prime RRV benchlands. Big and powerful, not shy at all at 14.9% ABV, it’s backed by 92-point praise from Wine Enthusiast. 

Zin is one of the few California reds that still consistently offer outstanding value for the price. It’s almost as if the value of Healdsburg’s old vines compounds over time, yielding richer gains with each passing vintage.

The Foppianos are one of the oldest continuously operating winemaking families in Sonoma, so when they get excited about a harvest, you should pay attention—and they were thrilled with 2021. Drought brought yields low as vines soldiered through summer warmth, but late September rain arrived just in time, relieving stress.