Maryhill Zinfandel
Maryhill Zinfandel is a full-bodied, 100% Zinfandel from Columbia Valley, Washington, bottled at approximately 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This estate-sourced red earned a Double Platinum award and 97 points at the 2022 Great Northwest Platinum Awards, underscoring its standing as one of Washington State's most compelling Zinfandel bottlings.Quick Facts: ABV: ~14.5% | Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington | Varietal: 100% Zinfandel | Winery: Maryhill WineryProduction & HeritageMaryhill Winery, located in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington State, sources this Zinfandel entirely from its estate Gunkel Vineyards. The grapes undergo a five-day pre-fermentation cold soak before entering a native fermentation that runs approximately 21 days to full dryness. Only the free-run juice is collected — no press fraction is blended — yielding a wine of particular clarity and purity. The wine then ages for 20 months in new French oak barrels, adding structural depth and layered complexity to the finished product.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with dark, inky aromatics of blackberry and cranberry, followed by earth, sandalwood, and lavender. Layers of toffee, wood spice, and black pepper develop with time in the glass.Taste: The entry is lush with ripe blackberry pie fruit and honey sweetness that transitions into a full-bodied mid-palate loaded with red berries, dark plum, and sweet oak. Intensity builds with austere tannins and a concentrated richness, while dark chocolate and coffee notes emerge toward the peak.Finish: The finish runs warm and generous, with lingering coffee, licorice, and baking spice. Tannins remain present but rounded, leaving a weighty, satisfying close.How to Drink Maryhill ZinfandelThis Zinfandel rewards a slight chill to around 60–65°F and drinks well with 15–20 minutes of breathing time. Its bold fruit and structured tannins make it excellent neat in a large-bowled glass. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, consider these options: a Zinfandel Sangria, where the dark berry fruit and spice create a naturally complex base; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the wine's coffee and chocolate tones amplify the mix; or a classic red wine spritzer for warm-weather gatherings, where the cranberry brightness and full body hold up well with soda water.Best For Introducing someone to Washington State reds beyond Cabernet Sauvignon Pairing with a weekend barbecue or smoked meat spread Gifting a Zinfandel enthusiast looking beyond California bottlings Building a collection of award-winning Pacific Northwest wines Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Maryhill Zinfandel taste like? Maryhill Zinfandel delivers bold blackberry and dark plum flavors layered with coffee, toffee, and baking spice, supported by full-bodied tannins and a warm, lingering finish. It shows the ripe, concentrated character typical of Columbia Valley reds with a distinct spice and earth complexity.How does Maryhill Zinfandel compare to California Zinfandel? While most American Zinfandel originates in California — particularly Lodi and Sonoma — Maryhill's Columbia Valley expression tends toward earthier, more structured territory with notable sandalwood, lavender, and dark chocolate alongside the expected berry fruit. The exclusive use of free-run juice and 20 months in new French oak give it a polish and tannin structure that sets it apart from many fruit-forward California bottlings.Is Maryhill Zinfandel good for sipping neat? Yes, it is an excellent neat sipper thanks to its layered aromatics, full body, and rounded tannins that develop nicely with air. A few minutes of breathing time will open up the wine's more nuanced earth and spice notes.Where is Maryhill Zinfandel made? Maryhill Zinfandel is produced by Maryhill Winery in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington State, with fruit sourced entirely from the estate's Gunkel Vineyards.What foods pair well with Maryhill Zinfandel? Smoked brisket or pulled pork pairs exceptionally well, as the wine's dark fruit and spice mirror smoky, savory flavors. Grilled lamb chops complement the earthy sandalwood notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda highlights the toffee and oak tones. A dark chocolate dessert echoes the wine's chocolate and coffee finish. Pizza with sausage and roasted peppers also makes a natural match with the wine's full body and berry richness.What sizes does Maryhill Zinfandel come in? Maryhill Zinfandel is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.Is Maryhill Zinfandel worth the price? Maryhill Zinfandel positions as a mid-range, quality-driven red that consistently punches above its price tier in competition — earning a 97-point Double Platinum at the 2022 Great Northwest Platinum Awards and a 96-point Double Gold at the 2023 Great Northwest Wine Competition. For a 100% estate-grown, French oak-aged Zinfandel with that kind of critical recognition, it represents strong value in the broader American Zinfandel landscape.Why Maryhill Zinfandel?What distinguishes this wine is Maryhill's decision to use only free-run juice — no press fraction — combined with native fermentation and a full 20 months in new French oak. That production approach, applied to 100% estate fruit from Gunkel Vineyards, yields a Zinfandel with unusual purity and depth for its price point. A 97-point Double Platinum rating at the 2022 Great Northwest Platinum Awards and a 96-point Double Gold at the 2023 Great Northwest Wine Competition confirm its consistency across vintages. In a category dominated by California producers, Maryhill's Columbia Valley Zinfandel makes a compelling case for Washington State as serious Zinfandel territory.