88+ 2002 Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zin 2/25/05 ($15)
Color: Deep purple-garnet, impressive for the appellation. (3.0) Bouquet: black cherry/berry jam and briar with a sulfury, green oak component that detracts a little. Still nice structure and intensity. (3.0) Body: Excellent acidity and fruit intensity, but a little underripe with green oak and bitterness. A light heavyweight. (2.5) Flavor: Forward briar and barley with intense fruit/acidity that could be riper. Still very enjoyable. (3.0) Finish: Long, cedary, black cherry with excellent structure. A little grapey at this point, but should integrate with a year of bottle age. (3.0)
Overall: A young Zin of very high quality for the price. It has its flaws, greenness, tannin and such, but is an exceptional bargain with impressive intensity. Drink now and in the next 2 years. (14.5)