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 2001 Ravenswood Sonoma County
Old Vine Zinfandel
From their cry to arms of "No wimpy wine!" to a distinctive winery logo that many of their almost cult-like fans have tattooed onto their bodies, Ravenswood is a cool winery!
The secret's out however, and this "cult wine" now produces upwards of 650,000 cases and was recently sold to "The Man," (a large wine house), for millions of dollars. Original founder, winemaker and lead rebel Joel Peterson is still very much in control of the operation and the sale will only help expand the brand. Quality is still paramount, as is staying true to the core message: that message being Zinfandel.
The Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel is the trademark or flagship wine for the company. It is made from fruit sourced from 60-80 year-old vines, predominantly from the Dry Creek area. It is a perfect introduction to the greater complexities offered by Old Vine Zinfandel and is great for those adventurous consumers who want to experience more out of their next glass. The color of the wine belies its intensity, as it is a lovely translucent cherry red that one can clearly read through. It has a nose of ripe crushed blueberries with soft underlying spicy notes.
The initial impression on the palate is of a mid-weight wine with excellent balance. Concentrated dark fruit and exotic spicy characteristics are accented by some secondary, gripping, tea-like tannins. There is some heat and spice in the lengthy finish that contribute to a comfortable warming sensation.
Overall this wine represents some of the best value in Zinfandel today, as it provides a remarkable combination of superior winemaking and incredible source fruit. Simply spectacular!
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