Zinfandel tells the story of California winemaking

As we prepare for Independence Day, consider raising your glass to the incredible rise of California wine, preferably with a glass of its most historic fine wine: zinfandel. Fifty years ago, California was a mere blip on the wine world’s radar, but today it makes some of the very finest wines on earth.

Zinfandel came to California around the time of the Bear Flag Rebellion of 1846 in the small town of Sonoma, which preceded California’s becoming part of the United States. This hardy grapevine became a favorite of west coast farmers since it was easy to grow and produced copious amounts of fruit whose wines were unusually dark in color, high in alcohol, and packed with flavor. By 1888, zinfandel dominated California’s vineyards and would hold the lead in planted area for the next century. Today, California’s most mature vineyards feature zinfandel vines, and many are still centered in Sonoma County, where California’s fine wine story began.

This premium example delivers a lusciously-rich, turbo-charged taste of its history. Sourced from vineyards in some of Sonoma’s top red wine regions, such as Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Valley, it features bold flavors of black cherries and roasted figs with complex fragrant accents reminiscent of pipe tobacco and rum-soaked fruitcake.

$19.99; 15% alcohol

PLCB Item #49357

Sale price through Aug. 1 – regularly $21.99

Also available at these New Jersey stores:

Super Buy Rite in West Deptford and Williamstown - $16.99, williamstownbuyrite.com; Wine Warehouse in Sicklerville - $16.99, sicklerville.winewarehousenj.com; Canal’s of Berlin Discount Liquor Mart in Berlin - $17.99, canalsofberlin.com.