Rich & Zinful – Ravenswood Lodi

Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2003

Who made it: Ravenswood, it's one of their County Series
What varietal(s): 84% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 2% Mixed Blacks.
Where: Lodi appellation, California
Why drink it: Because it's very good.
Extra, Extra: $25; 14.5%; drink now or in 3 to 5+ years
Bonus: 2004 vintage also reviewed

Ah, Ravenswood, the "No wimpy wines" winemakers with the coolest three-raven logo, a good Website and great wines. What more could you want?

After decanting this wine for an hour, it was smooth and tasty. This medium-deep ruby wine has a nice aroma of cherry, dark berries, pepper and oak.

It’s dry with balanced tannins and acidity and a medium-full body. Bold fruit flavours (cherry, plum, raspberry, blackberry) hit the palate. There’s a slight candy-berry sweetness and plenty of peppery spice and hints of black licorice and toasty oak. Each sip lingers, making it truly enjoyable to sit back and relax with a bottle of this and some friends. Silky smooth and rich and flavourful, it’s great with food or without. It was tasty with spicy ginger beef.

A few months ago, I had the 2004 and found it just as nice. It was a bit earthier, with riper fruit, but it went down smooth with the same medium-long finish. It was full with luscious, concentrated fruit (raspberry, blackberry, blueberry) flavours. Definitely yummy!

I wish I had tried them side-by-side. Maybe another time.

Ravenswood has three tiers of wines. Their cheapest wines are from their Vintners Blend tier (which I love), the mid-range wines are from their County Series (this is one of many) and their top tier wines are their Vineyard Designates, which are the most pricey, but make for delicious treats.

Very good. The price isn’t bad either.