This was my final stop on my wine tour! It was a small but had some reds with big taste! Ravenswood was a “lil bit country” which I found endearing. They are not trying to wow visitors with a large fancy estate, but capture drinkers who appreciate excellent reds (especially Zinfandels!!!). Ravenswood say’s they “stand by our love of old-vine varieties and our belief in traditional Old-World winemaking”.
Throughout Sonoma I saw very thin and long vines however at Ravenswood, the vines were “Ancient” literally that is what the vine is called. They appeared short, thick and wild! During February the grapes were already harvested so they were bare but these gorgeous bright yellow flowers surrounded the vines.
My favorites:
2014 Ravenswood Estate Zinfandel Sonoma Valley: Layered with flavors of raspberry jam, espresso, and supple tannins. Nicely balanced and mouth wateringly juicy.
2012 Ravenswood Bedrock Vineyard Barbera Sonoma Valley: Huge aromas of red cherries, strawberry, black currant, plum, and figs with flavors of chocolate, vanilla, licorice, toast and spice.
Visiting & Tasting:
Vineyard Designate Tasting: Rare, small lot Zinfandel gems!
$18 per person
Bordeaux Single Vineyard Tasting: Rare, small lot Cabernet Blends!
$18 per person
They have other tours and tasting information on their website
Sum it up:
- Perfected Zinfindels
- Country/hometown feel
- Small batches made at the winery and only sold there.