which zinfandel

Dmitri,

I've not had the Pepperwood Zin in some time, and I think they might have acquired by someone else, since I last tasted it. For the cost, it was a pretty good Zin, as I recall. As my usual additional Zin at about the same price point, is the Ravenswood VB Zin, I won't bother recommending it ;-} I'm curious, however, what aspects you did not like in that wine.

At about the same range, Peachy Canyon's Incredible Red (Zin based blend of varietals) is always flavorful and I feel offers a good value wine. I usually put in a case of it and the Ravenswood, to be used as cooking/light drinking Zins and find that about 6mo softens and rounds out the Peachy.

For special meals, you might want to look up the price ladder a bit and try some of the Ridge Zins, plus both Peachy & Ravenswood offer quite a few additional wines, but not at that price point.

Rosenblum has a Cuvee that is only a few $ more, and a fine wine. They also offer a dozen, or so more Zins, all of which I enjoy and find to be good values, though more expensive that the Pepperwood.

One good thing, is that Zins are quite nicely priced, until you get into the Biales and Turleys. By the time you are up to about US$20/btl. there is a " world" of excellent Zins and only one's individual tastes can choose from amongst them.

Hunt

It can be found for between eight and ten USD. It's great stuff, although at the price I prefer Ravenswood's VB or Rosenblum's NV stuff. Cline offers a few wines in this range that are quite good, as well.