Sometimes you just want an all around, all purpose wine that you can enjoy with just about anything. “Just about” being the operative words there. This is a full-blooded Zin after all, and you probably don’t want to drink it alongside a delicately steamed fish dish. But, when you’re looking for a mouthful of body, this is the one to pull off the shelf.

2009 Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi California (19.95)

14.5% – Yes, this is very nearly a ridiculous amount of alcohol. I guess Ravenswood didn’t get the memo: we want lower alcohol wines with lots of flavour and less burn! Ok, this Zin doesn’t display any of that burn, and is totally loaded with flavour. Just saying’ ….

Bouquet – Truly, an explosion of blueberry and cassis with vanilla rounding off the sensation.

Flavour – You’ll find concentrated blueberry with undertones of spice and balsamic in the glass. This wine is beautifully balanced with a smooth finish (despite the high alcohol content).

Pairings – grilled steak with coconut rice or a burger topped with Gorgonzola