Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2005 Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel – Bottle Notes

Ravenswood was founded in 1976 by Joel Peterson. The winery is a pioneer in producing single vineyard Zinfandels from some of Napa and Sonoma’s most treasured vineyards, including Dickerson, Old Hill, Cooke and Belloni. I used to regularly visited Ravenswood in the summer, when they released their single vineyard wines. Back in the day they also had a BBQ out behind the winery. Great wine, great food and great memories.

Founded by William McPherson Hill in 1851, Old Hill Ranch is a historic jewel. The vineyard was purchased by Anne and Otto Teller of Bucklin Winery in 1981. Bucklin and Ravenswood are the sole producers of wine from the vineyard.

The wine is 75% Zinfandel and 25% mixed blacks (mixed blacks refers to a field blend of different grape varieties which were commonly planted around the turn of the century). Clocking in at 14.6% ABV the bottling is exceptionally balanced and not at all over-extracted. Jammy with raspberry aromas on the nose. Mint, mulberry, raspberry, pepper and mint on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. This is a wine that just screams to be paired with a burger or pizza.

My rating: 91 points

Widely available through the winery and at retail.

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