Tag Archives: Old vine Zinfandel

Ravens Wood Old Vine Zinfandel 2011

14 Monday Oct 2013

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The 2010 Ravens Wood Zinfandel was my go-to wine when in a pinch.   The 2011 version leaves me bewildered.  Hollow, lacking fruit and just average.  What little fruitiness I got was predominantly plum, with some cherry mixed it.  There was a certain spice that overcame the fruit.  Pepper and oak were evident and the lack of tannins apparent.  I must have missed something here because this winery is consistent.  Perhaps I had an off bottle.  For around $9 it is usually a great QPR wine that works well for parties, BBQ’s and even the odd poker game.  I did enjoy it somewhat, but was disappointed at the difference between vintages.  I am reserving judgement on this one for a second tasting.

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Van Ruiten Old Vines Zinfandel 2010

27 Monday May 2013

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Wow.  What a beautiful Zinfandel.  This wine was absolutely delicious.  Plums and blueberry galore, on the nose, the palate, the finish.  Not jammy, like many over-the-top Zins, but smooth, mellow and refined.  I can see a lot of care has been put into crafting this wine.  The winemaker has worked the old vine grapes into a powerful wine, yet hiding the massive 14.5% alcohol behind a balanced canvas of sweet tannins and bright acidity.  Very complex once you start to delve into it, the wine offered up some nuances that will no doubt further evolve when the wine is cellared.  I imagine it will develop over the next 6 years and drink beautifully until 2020 at the least.  For sure a 5 star wine and 91 points in my opinion.  If you can find a bottle of this, snag it…  Well worth the effort.

PS. This wine was a gift from a friend, I am duly grateful that he was able to share this spectacular bottle.

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Three Wine Company Zinfandel 2008

19 Thursday Jul 2012

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Before I taste this wine, I must say I love the label. It is the third wine in my Cali Kings flight. I already know it’s a “14.9%” wine. We all know what that means…

Somewhat muted on the nose- because it’s holding out for your palate. Whoosh, here it comes: jammy berry, Zin pepper, spice and a mouth puckering brace of tannins- all at once. Nice party trick folks, fool me with the fake to the nose and then a full wallop to the mouth. Good job hiding the alcohol though. Generally a really nice old vine Zinfandel that has more structure than most. I am dying to know how this is going to evolve as I foresee a long life ahead- perhaps 12 years??
I’m starting to make out some cherry, and a floral finish. Perhaps a trait of the vine age? I’m not sure how available this wine is, but I really encourage you to look for it. Its not typical Zin, but has certain good qualities of Zin that I like. I reckon 5 stars, and 90 points. A well made Zin.

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Ravenswood Zinfandel Old Vines ’10

25 Saturday Feb 2012

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Not being a huge fan of Zinfandel, I was pleasantly surprised with this one.  Normally, Zins come in at a whoppingly high alcohol content and can be quite jammy.  Registering at 13.5%, this “Old-Vines” Zin was very smooth and delectable.  Caressing tannins and a good mouthfeel from such a young wine show promise.  The nose was elegant, the alcohol was not noticeable and the balance was just right.  I have tasted this wine twice in the last week and consider it a great effort, whether you like Zins or are impartial like me.  I would easily drink it alone, or with any type of meat dish.  Dark fruit and a touch of oak make it enticing and different. Seriously, a 5 star effort and possibly 89 points.  An easy choice when you need a flexible wine, and probably very easy to find.  Did I mention the price?  A terrific QPR (Quality Price Ratio) at under $15 per bottle….

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