Originally Posted By: Larry Roberts
[Operative term: "claret style". I recall two visits to Ridge in the early 1980s and it was almost odd to see a label with an alcohol over 13-13.5%. The Paso Zin was an exception.


Not always true, even with Ridge! I just attended a Jimsomare Vineyard tasting (both zins and cabs), and the two oldest Zins tasted, the 1968 and 1970, were 15% and 15.8%, respectively. Didn't taste like it, though, very well balanced and still alive.

On the other hand, three vintages from the early '80's were all under 12%. Go figure.

Full notes to be posted soon on Gang of Pour.
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Bennett Traub