Ravenswood, Old Vine Zinfandel, 2002

From the bottle, Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel is made from grapes harvested from Sonoma County, and is 14.5% alcohol by volume. Interestingly enough, it isn’t 100% Zinfandel, but instead is 95% Zin, 4% Carignane, 1% mixed blacks – the wine is aged 24 months in French oak and is supposedly cellerable for 10 years.

Where did I find it: Purchased at Costco.

What did I pair it with: a spicy, shredded beef salad

Appearance: An inky purplish red, with heavy legs.

Smell: Caustic cherries and prunes

Taste: Light sour cherry tannins and raisin notes, with a chalky finish.

Price: $11.99
Quality rating: 82/100
Value rating: 45.17/60

Takeaway: The California (less priced) designation was actually better than this higher end Zinfandel; the wine did get better after an hour opening up, but was by far the worst of the three reds tasted during the evening.