[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.