I like Zin, personally, but it can have a pretty wide range of styles based on where it's grown.
I mean, that's pretty much true of all wines. But it seems like there are certain areas where they tend to specialize the varietal based on the weather. I.e. Paso Robles is pretty heavy with GSM-style wines, Napa pretty heavy with Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Willamette Valley with Pinot Noir.
Whereas you'll find Zin being fairly heavily produced all over California.
My preferred appellation is the Dry Creek Valley: https://www.drycreekvalley.org/wineries/
If you can find any of those, give them a try. I've personally had and enjoyed Comstock, Dry Creek Vineyards, Seghesio, Talty, and Wilson of that list. Dry Creek Vineyards and Seghesio would be the ones I'd say you're most likely to find in a bottle shop outside that region. I *think* Comstock, Talty, and Wilson only sell on property (or via mail).
Oh, and if you ever see one labeled as "Rockpile" Zinfandel, buy it. That's one of the most well-known areas within the area for Zin, and it's fantastic.
