Frank Rothstein, PRIMA’s ‘Minister of Value’ has uncovered a particularly exciting deal on this delicious old school Zinfandel from the Hanna Winery, located in the picturesque Alexander Valley of Sonoma County.  Hanna Winery, established by Dr. Elias Hanna in 1985 and now managed by his daughter, Christine, made the wise decision years ago to concentrate on developing the best estate vineyards in the rocky hills that surround their winery and hospitality center.  They also had the foresight to hire a very talented and progressive winemaker, Jeff Hinchcliffe, who developed and advanced sustainable practices (now certified)  throughout the entire winemaking process.  Over the years, Hanna has grown in size, now owning 600 acres, of which 230 acres are planted to vines, in appellations that include Alexander Valley, Bradford Mountain in Dry Creek Valley, their Home Vineyard in Russian River Valley and the Moon Mountain AVA in Sonoma Valley.  Their reputation has also grown, beginning with their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and now producing excellent, terroir-driven Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and other reds.  For us, though, it was always their SB and Zin that we loved the most.  The 2018 Hanna Zinfandel, Sonoma County, is sourced from six separate and distinct blocks all on mature vines.  The winery style has always been to create a brighter style of Zin; one with forward fruit, supple texture and moderate tannins and alcohol strength. This particular bottling, a classic of the old school style we associate with Hanna, was originally destined for the European market, but when the COVID19 pandemic shut everything down, the winery set it aside in the aging cellar. This Hanna Zin, now with a few years of bottle age, has developed into a beautifully complex and silky red wine, a wonderful example of the excellent, very balanced 2018 growing season.   The thing about Zin like this, as it ages, it becomes more and more like a fine bottle of Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon than a full-throttle, in-your-face Zin and that’s a good thing!  It’s now a delightful red that can be enjoyed on its own or with all kinds of food.  We immediately imagined burgers off the grill but I think anything with lots of savory or moderately spicy flavors would work. You decide.  Released at over $40, the winery made us an offer we couldn’t refuse and we get to offer the 2018 Hanna Zinfandel at only $24.99 per bottle with shipping on six.  You’d be wise to respond quickly and take advantage of this offer before the inventory is totally depleted.  Believe me, it won’t take long. – Frank Rothstein, Minister of Value