Ravenswood
Ravenswood Winery was founded by Joel Peterson in 1976 in Sonoma County. Joel's original crush led to some well received Zinfandel wines that were awarded first and second place in a well respected San Francisco wine contest in 1979. That critical acclaim gave way to the first Ravenswood Vineyards investors allowing Joel to source some of the best grape growers and vineyards in Sonoma. While Zinfandel was always Joel’s passion he also produced his Ravenswood wines using Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In fact our Ravenswood wine reviews indicate that Ravenswood was one of the first Sonoma wineries to produce a varietal titled Merlot. Ravenswood Vineyard Designate wines are made employing what "Zinmaster" Joel refers to as stubborn and impractical Old World enological practices. The Ravenswood motto is “No Wimpy Wines” referring to the full flavored and massive wines that Joel strives to produce. To see which wines are right for you check out our Ravenswood wine ratings below.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 97
Ravenswood 2008 Old Hill Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
- $60
A tremendous Zinfandel, Ravenswood’s most expensive, and while you might quiver at the price, it’s easily a very great wine. This is Zinfandel on steroids, a monster of wild summer berry, tobacco, currant and spice flavors, wrapped into significantly thick tannins. Yet despite the power, it never quite loses elegance and balance. The winery’s 2007 was their…
— S.H.
(12/15/2011)
Ravenswood 2007 Old Hill Single Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
- $60
You can quibble with the price, but there’s no doubt about the quality of this Zin. It’s extraordinarily deeply flavored, offering waves of wild cherries, cola, anise, molé sauce, pepper spice and sandalwood, wrapped into profoundly fine tannins, and with a long, dry finish. Drink this near-perfect Zinfandel over the next six years.
— S.H.
(3/1/2010)
Ravenswood 2006 Pickberry Vineyards Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Mountain)
- Cellar Selection
- $50
Quite a noble, interesting wine that bears comparing with the best of Napa Valley. It’s bone dry, with softly dusty tannins backed with a firm hit of clean acidity. The flavors are somewhat herbal, with a sage and tobacco edge to the blackberries, dark chocolate and graphite. Feels classy and important, but young. Better after 2012.
— S.H.
(3/1/2010)
Ravenswood 2007 Belloni Single Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $35
A terrific Zinfandel, with a polished, pretty structure and ripe, vibrantly classic Zinny flavors. Floods the mouth with berries, cola, licorice, mocha and dusty spices, wrapped into beautifully fine, ripe tannins. Impossible to resist sip after sip. Defines Russian River Zinfandel at its best.
— S.H.
(3/1/2010)
Ravenswood 2007 Dickerson Single Vineyard Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $35
Hard to exaggerate the beauty of this single-vineyard Zin. It has the balanced elegance of a fine Cabernet, yet with Zinfandel’s exuberant, briary flavors of wild forest berries, spices, Mexican molé sauce, anise, cola and sandalwood. Delicious and compelling, and a perfect pairing with your best grilled meats.
— S.H.
(3/1/2010)
Ravenswood 2002 Old Hill Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
- $60
The most marvelous flavors of cherries fill the mouth, enriched with cola and mocha, in this dry, balanced wine. It’s fruit-forward, but there’s an edge of dusty tannins that provides structure. Really classy, just about a perfect glass of Sonoma Zin.
— S.H.
(3/1/2005)
Ravenswood 2008 Barricia Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
- $35
Zinfandel’s briary, brambly personality is front and center on this wine, which wears its slightly rustic cloak proudly. It’s the quintessential California Zin, dry, complex and peppery, offering a profusion of wild summer berry, licorice and tobacco flavors. One of the great successes of the vintage.
— S.H.
(12/15/2011)
Ravenswood 2002 Dickerson Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
- $30
Another great success from this famous old vineyard. Rich, dense and complex, yet dry and balanced, this Zin has a marvelous melange of flavors. Blackberries, wild blueberries, black cherries, pepper, cocoa and oak, and a spicy hint of raisins. The finish is amazingly long and vibrant is fresh fruit.
— S.H.
(3/1/2005)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 97
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