Mar 202013
 
2008 Ravenswood Pickberry Red Wine, Single Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain, CA, $50 (S) – Rating 92

A single-vineyard blend of 59% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black cherries and a heap of peppery spices combine for a rich and luxurious nose. A deep and somewhat complex wine offering flavors dark berry fruit, ripe plums, blackberry and ripe blueberry with a nice earthiness component. Moderate but well integrated tannins with moderate acidity. Pleasant hints of espresso in the finish. Be patient…let this wine open for at least an hour. Buy This Wine

Jan 032013
 
2009 Ravenswood Zinfandel Belloni Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 91

A co-fermented field blend from this pre-prohibition vineyard of 75% Zinfandel and 25% black berries (Petite Sirah, Carignane and Alicante Bouschet) with an intriguing earthiness and old-vine rustic quality. A rich nose of blueberry, dark spice and notes of espresso. Rich flavors of blueberry jam, ripe raspberry, plum, black fruit and dark spice are married with well-integrated tannins and balance acidity. The long finish offers notes of dark berry, espresso, mocha and tobacco box. Buy This Wine

Feb 112011
 
Joel Peterson Ravenswood

Joel Peterson Photo by Peter Griffith

This week I had the opportunity to interview one of the most interesting and thought provoking winemakers around. On February 21st, Joel Peterson, founder and winemaker at Ravenswood Winery, will be inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame in Napa Valley. There, he will take his place beside many of the great American vintners including one of Joel’s early mentors, Andre Tchelistcheff. While Joel seemed genuinely surprised by the honor, many who know him are more surprised it had not happened sooner. Continue reading »