Reviews & Ratings

2005 Ravenswood Zinfandel "Big River"

Winery: Ravenswood

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Big River"

Wine Category: Zinfandel

Grape blend: 100% Zinfandel

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Alexander Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $32

Cases produced: 1,315

KWG Score: 90.6 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: September 18, 2007

Wine Review: The 2005 version of this wine is much more restrained than the 2004 version. It opens with a pleasant light dark fruit bouquet. On the palate, this dark purple wine is rich, round, and concentrated. It has deep black cherry flavors and a very prominent oak influence. This wine does benefit from decant and adding air. This Zin is not a fruit bomb and would appeal to readers who like more Old World oak influenced wines. This wine did match well with grilled burgers and barbeque steak tips. The finish is dry, tingles the tongue, and lingers for a bit. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2005 vintage of Big River Zinfandel expresses the most pure characteristics of old vine Zinfandel with a combination of concentration, complexity, and a richness that is unsurpassable. This wine is big, round and berry-filled, with almost a hint of dill, yet filled with jammy and raspberry characteristics. You’ll notice immediately the spicy, plumy character of this particular wine in the nose. Its soft, round, plumy flavors are the essence of old vines expressing their "old vineness." – Joel Peterson

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Zinfandel.