It’s not too often I have the opportunity to showcase two great wines appealing to a very wide range of wallets. Great thing about Ravenswood (one of many in my book) is the varied level of price tiers in their portfolio. During my recent trip to the Ravenswood vineyards, I had the opportunity to taste wines from each level. For those budget minded wine lovers there’s the tasty Vintners Blend and for those with deeper pockets, Ravenswood Old Hill Single Vineyard.2008 Ravenswood Zinfandel Vintners Blend
Spicy oak, pepper and red berries create an intoxicating aroma. Zesty berries and Bing cherries intermingle with medium and well balanced tannins. The wine is medium bodied with minimal complexity.
The grapes are sourced from carefully chosen vineyards located throughout Sonoma. They are then blended with grapes grown for the Vintners Blend Series. At $10, this is a true crowd pleaser for the holidays.
Varietal – 84% Zinfandel, 8% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Mixed Blacks
Total Acidity - .56g/ml
pH – 3.60
Alcohol Content – 13.5%
2007 Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel Sonoma Valley
Multitude of aromas consisting of black berry, black pepper, earth and mint. Silky smooth flavors of coffee, plum, vanilla and a hint of herb in the finish. Exceptional balance and complexity. Rhone like in style, this wine will age beautifully for years to come.
Varietal – 76% Zinfandel, 24% Mixed Blacks
Total Acidity – 5.84g/ml
pH – 3.58
Alcohol Content – 14.8%
I had the great pleasure of visiting the Old Hill vineyards and hearing the history of the vineyard, Sonoma’s oldest dating back to 1885, as well as the current history of the Bucklin’s, the vineyard’s current owners.
I have to admit, this wine is one of my favorites in the Single Vineyard series. With just 1,180 cases produced, you can taste the care and devotion that goes into each bottle. That being said, this wine isn’t priced in everyone’s range but at $60, you truly get what you pay for and this is a beautifully crafted wine.
Ravenswood news
Looks like I’m not the only one being inducted into a new order. I’m referring to my recent Order of the Raven induction, headed by none other than head Raven, Joel Peterson. But this really isn’t about me, the big news is Joel Peterson is to be inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s 2011 Vintners Hall of Fame. Known as the Godfather of Zin, Peterson is just one of the two living vintners to be inducted into the Pioneer category. The official ceremony will take place February 21st, 2011 at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, in St. Helena, CA.
Don’t forget about Global Zinfandel Day, go out and buy a couple bottles now so you can make the celebration last longer. With Thanksgiving coming up, it’s a great time to celebrate the one of, if not the oldest planted vines in United States.
2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.
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