Ravenswood 2008 pre-release

Suffice it to say that I am more than a little impressed with Joel Peterson. He is  “No Wimpy Winemaker!”.

Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood Winery is one of only seven living members of the Vintners Hall Of Fame. He jests about his being in the company of such famous winemakers as Robert Mondavi, Andre Tchelistecheff, the Gallo Brothers, or Paul Draper but he is sincerely among peers in such a crowd.

In 1976, Joel set out to make wines of distinction. His motivation came from his experience with European wines where he learned the significance of place. What better grape to reflect the unique nature of California than those that come from vines planted as early as the 1840s?  He has yet to stray from his mission.

Surprisingly enough many in the wine loving world associate Ravenswood exclusively with their  “Vintners Blend” and its’ mass availability. See our video interview with Joel where he talks about the early days of Ravenswood and some very interesting California wine history too.

All of the single vineyard 2008s are fabulous. Joel sent some ahead for this Northwest tour/preview of the vintage. The wines will arrive in July and I am offering a pre-sale now (ORDER FORM BELOW).

If you like Zinfandel, I encourage you…strongly encourage you!!… to snatch up some of these before the scores come out and you miss the boat.

There are 6 that we tasted. Mix 2 each of all six or 3×4…however you like!! Notes of character are attached if that helps you or you can simply say, “Hey Angus, mix me up a case!”

Cases will sell for $360 (again…mixed in any combination you like) or individually by the bottle for $38. Either way, by the case or the bottle this is a fabulous pre-release price.

Barricia Sonoma Valley - pre-order form below
The Zinfandel from this vineyard is revered- with good reason. This the most perfumed wine of the Single Vineyard Designates, eliciting ethereal qualities on the nose. The majority of Barricia is an old, low production vineyard in a special location in Sonoma Valley.  (2008) Connoisseur’s Guide 93 pts.

Belloni Russian River Valley - pre-order form below
Ravenswood has been harvesting grapes from the Russian River Valley’s Belloni Vineyard since 1991. The 2008 is characterized by particularly dark opaque color and a rich boysenberry, candied cherry, mocha flavor- characteristics achieved by the co fermentation of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Alicante Bouchet grapes. (2008) Connoisseur’s Guide 92 pts.

Big River Alexander Valley - pre-order form below
The Big River Vineyard, planted in the stunning red Manzanita soils of the Alexander Valley in the early 1900’s, has been exceedingly well taken care of during its long life. The 2008 vintage of Big River Zinfandel expresses the most pure characteristics of old vine Zinfandel with a combination of concentration, complexity, and a richness that is unsurpassable. (2008) Connoisseur’s Guide 90 pts.

Dickerson Napa Valley - pre-order form below
The Dickerson vineyard, located on Zinfandel Lane on the west side of Napa Valley, is a small, superlative vineyard with low crop levels. This is a strong year for Dickerson Vineyard. A bright medium red, it is bursting with bright, red raspberry scents, Asian spices, flowers, and minerals topped with perfect levels of acidity. (2008) Connoisseur’s Guide 93 pts.

Old Hill Sonoma Valley - pre-order form below
Sonoma’s first famous Zinfandel, made in 1892 by William Hill, was grown in this vineyard. These vines probably Sonoma’s oldest-turn out remarkable wines. This Old Hill Zinfandel is well balanced, graceful, complex wine that will age very nicely. The wine keeps unfolding each time you put your nose in the glass. (2008) Connoisseur’s Guide 92 pts.

Teldeschi Dry Creek Valley - pre-order form below
Ravenswood has been working with the Teldeschi family and their famed Dry Creek Valley vineyards since the 1970’s. The wine is richly perfumed with scents of black raspberry, apricot, and aromatic spices. Subtle tobacco flavors mingle with flavors of plum and cherry. (2008) Connoisseur’s Guide 96 pts.

Pickberry Sonoma Mountain
Planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the Pickberry Vineyard is located on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain on the western side of the Sonoma Valley. The wine is usually dark red to the core. Lifted aromatic, mountain-pedigree fruit is highlighted in the aroma. Fresh plum, red currants, mint and cured tobacco leaf with
shades of sweet vanilla and cacao nib are all found in the complex scent mélange.

Icon Sonoma County
This truly is California history in a glass-the grapes were the chosen ones of the California before Prohibitions in the 1920’s. Icon is a native Sonoma mixed blacks blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Alicante Bouchet. The wine is very dark and dense. It is fully aromatic with sweet fruit scents of black cherries and
plums, accented by hints of toast, vanilla, black pepper, cardamom and licorice. It has supple, delicious intensity and weight in the long, flavorful finish.

Pre-Release Order Form