91+(?) 2005 Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley) 6/19/15 ($40)
75% Zinfandel, 25% Mixed Blacks (14 varieties) 14.6% alc
Color: Deep garnet. No browning or clearing. (3.0) Bouquet: Cedary French oak complements big Zinberry fruit with loads of spicy tannins supporting. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and big cedary tannins. Coats mouth beautifully. (3.5) Flavor: More cedary French oak combines with big fruit. Astringency makes it less attractive than bouquet. (3.0) Finish: Very big and very long with bitterness from tannin. Could pass for a big Mayacamas Cabernet, but has Zinberry fruit. (3.0)
Overall: A seriously ageworthy Zin with great structure and fine character. My only concern is that the big tannins are still going strong at 10 years old. Will they smooth out before the fruit starts to fade? Drink now with a 2 hour decant and serve with red meat or age another 3-6 years. (16)
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