Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2005

by Ethan Johnson
August 17, 2008

Hooray for grocery store closeout items:

Producer (Vineyard):Ravenswood
Varietal (Grape type): Zinfandel
Vintage (Year): 2005
Country: USA (California)
Color: Red
Cost: Moderate ($18 USD)

Teh booze

Swirl and Sniff: The color is dark purple with scarlet on the edges. The scent was a blend of cherries and burnt firelog. Interesting.

Taste: Again with the bright cherry taste. And puckery tannins, not that I'm complaining.

Pairing: I drank this with - what else - steak. The wine played well with the seasoned potatoes and corn. This seems like a perfectly acceptable "solo" drink as well.

Rating: When it comes to this wine, I would (and you may):

  • Buy three or more bottles for regular enjoyment
  • Buy a bottle or two for occasional enjoyment
  • Ask for when dining out or at a party
  • Settle for if your preferred wine is not available
  • Politely decline and never drink again, ever

Really, I don't think one can go wrong with the "county" series of Ravenswood Zins. I suppose one might have one's favorites or be inclined to nitpick. Of the three I have tried so far, I am partial to the Sonoma County version, but sheesh, as a $10 grocery closeout item I am so not complaining. If anything, I have been checking out their other locations to see if they have any more.

Maybe someday I'll spring for a bottle of Ridge Zin. No hurry.

If you do give this a try, please let me know how your experience compared with mine. Thanks! <EM>

(The Totally Unpretentious Wine Reviews Index may be found here.)

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