This highly-extracted, saturated purple-colored wine is a macho Zin in every sense of the word. Not only does it boast nearly 15% alcohol, it possesses explosive richness, and layers of grilled meat, blackberry and cherry liqueur-like flavors that have been heavily spiced, not to mention crammed with glycerin and extract. This knock-out Zinfandel is almost sauvage (as the French would say), but it is oh, so rich and gutsy. It should drink well for 5-7 years.Not surprisingly, Ravenswood has turned out a portfolio of powerful, full-throttle Zinfandels that live up to the winery's motto, "No Wimpy Wines."Tel. (707) 938-1960

Zinfandel lovers will be pleased to know there are 3,045 cases produced of the 1995 Zinfandel Wood Road-Belloni, a wine produced from four separate Russian River vineyards (Arata, Belloni, Chelli, and Rue). This nearly opaque purple-colored wine is a powerful, tight, full-bodied, well-structured Zinfandel that is loaded with earthy, dark fruits. Its broodingly backward, yet formidably endowed personality offers spice, jammy black fruits, and plenty of glycerin and alcohol (14.9%). This is a classic, rich, ageworthy Zinfandel that should provide marvelous drinking over the next decade. Kudos to proprietor Joel Peterson for producing a bevy of Zinfandels that are particularly brilliant in view of the overall quality level that has emerged from this vintage.Tel. (707) 938-1960