Laithwaites has described the 2008 from Van Ruiten as “a call to all Zinfandel lovers”.

The 2008 is an “inky-dark blockbuster from the producer of the best Zinfandel in California” and follows the 2007 which “won three gold medals”.

The wine is priced at £14.99 / US$22.99, carries an abv of 15.5% and is available to global markets through Laithwaites' website.

Van Ruiten are fifth generation family winemakers and, according to Laithwaites, were among the first to plant Zinfandel in Lodi – “now recognized as one of the best producing areas for the varietal in California”.