An outstanding effort from Ravenswood is the 1997 Zinfandel Monte Rosso (15.5% alcohol). This effort exhibits an impressively saturated ruby/purple color, and sweet mineral and blackberry flavors intermixed with dried herbs, kirsch liqueur, and stone-like scents. The vintage's tell-tale zingy acidity is present, but is more than compensated for by the concentrated, rich fruit. I suspect this will be a long-lived Zinfandel, lasting for a decade or more. Tel. (707) 938-1960