De Bortoli 2008 Deen De Bortoli Vat Series Vat 4 Petit Verdot is a full-bodied, robust red with dark fruit and considerable structure to enjoy with grilled meat. (Supplied)

Where many wineries look to spin romantic copy on their back label about history, experience or pedigree, Joel Gott's simply states one word: Enjoy.

An equally single-minded dedication lies at the heart of Gott's robust Zinfandel. The jammy fruit and spice character calls to mind the style of Amador County Zinfandel that Gott's father produced gallons of during the early days of Montevina Winery.

"I have a lot of crazy relatives that all somehow make a living making wine," explains Gott, who is the fifth-generation of his family to toil in California's vineyards. "I tried to avoid it, but there's nothing quite like being a winemaker."

Gott's deep roots in winemaking haven't prevented him from embracing modern practices to market and sell the wines he produces both at home and abroad. In addition to making wine under his own label, he has partnered with Charles Bieler and Roger Scommegna to produce a range of wines under the Three Thieves banner.

The trio has enjoyed success with its Bandit and The Show label of always enjoyable and affordable wines, including the Bandit Pinot Grigio and The Show Cabernet Sauvignon.

Value for money lies at the heart of everything that Gott produces, which makes him one to watch. His own label was launched with a Zinfandel and has evolved to include a Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Gott's Zinfandel is featured at Earls' Restaurants across the country and gets a release through LCBO Vintages outlets June 11. The rich, robust red makes a great introduction to one of the world of wine's maverick. Its juicy and refreshing personality makes this approachable, desirable and, yes, enjoyable.

Wines of the Week:

***1/2

Rebel Wine Bandit Pinot Grigio

California

ON $12.95/1 Litre (622019)

Here's a ripe, juicy white wine with easy-to-appreciate apple and pear flavours. It's a full-bodied wine, with mouthfilling texture that makes it a real crowd-pleaser, especially during the summer. (LCBO)

****

De Bortoli 2008 Deen De Bortoli Vat Series Vat 4 Petit Verdot

South Eastern Australia

BC $16.49 (80358) | ON $14.95 (222265)

A bit player in Bordeaux red blends, the Petit Verdot grape rarely gets top-billing. But this full-bodied, robust red from De Bortoli shows how convincing it can be when given the spotlight. Look for dark fruit and considerable structure that makes it a serious red to enjoy with grilled meat. (LCBO)

****

Joel Gott Wines 2008 Zinfandel

California $21.95 (224139)

A blend of fruit from Amador, Lodi, Napa and Sonoma, this rich, layered Zinfandel is flavourful with appealing intensity. The juicy and refreshing personality makes it an enjoyable food wine that works with pizza, pasta or anything slathered with barbecue sauce. (LCBO Vintages)

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